Johnny Depp reportedly allowed fellow actor and close friend Eric Dane to reside in one of his California homes “basically rent-free,” so the father of two would not have to worry about the financial burden of his brutal battle with ALS.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” actor, who was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease in April 2025, died Feb. 19 at the age of 53, leaving behind two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he shared with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
Speaking to Page Six, a source close to the actor revealed that Depp, 62, who had met Dane through mutual friends, offered the ailing actor a place to stay so that he wouldn’t have to worry about the cost of finding somewhere to live.
“Eric [had] one less thing to worry about,” the source said. “[He was] living basically rent-free in one of the homes Johnny owns above the Sunset Strip. He told Eric to pay whatever he could—or couldn’t—for rent.”
“Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden,” a second source told the outlet.
The insiders did not reveal how much, if anything, Dane paid Depp for the property, and it is unclear exactly how long the “Grey’s Anatomy” star spent living in the loaned abode.
After the news of Dane’s passing was revealed, details about his final days emerged, with insiders claiming that he had been “bedridden” before he died.
His death was revealed in a statement by his reps.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actress and estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart,] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
After his passing, a GoFundMe was set up by Dane’s loved ones to raise money for his two children. The fundraiser, which has a goal of $500,000, has raised more than $355,000 at the time of writing.
“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness,” the page description reads.
“Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.”
Following his death, many of his celebrity friends have come forward to lay bare the actor’s final moments.
One of those friends was his “Grey’s Anatomy” costar Patrick Dempsey, who revealed that he saw Dane mere days before he passed away.
“I feel really so sad for his children. I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago and some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak,” Dempsey said during an appearance on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Show” on Feb. 20.
As he joyously remembered his dear friend, Dempsey revealed that Dane’s health was quickly “deteriorating,” explaining that the actor had been unable to speak and swallow.
“He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly. He was the funniest man—he was such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.
“He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with, we got along instantly. First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant,” Dempsey said.
The fellow “Grey’s Anatomy” star gushed about Dane, noting that he did a wonderful job at bringing awareness to the disease.
“He did an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease and those remaining days and it just reminds us that we all have to celebrate every day like it’s our last day.
“It’s something that we have to remember and certainly in a world where there is just so much crisis and there is so much tragedy that we really need to be grateful for every moment that we have… spend time with our families, do things that are better, that benefit of other people to be of service to be kind, to be loving,” Dempsey said.
“And these values with our leadership unfortunately that we’re seeing around the world and certainly in America with this horrible, you know, corrupt government that is currently running America, we have to remember to treat our neighbors and our friends with the right values.”
Following Dane’s death, tributes poured in from his closest industry connections, including Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver.
Dane and and Gayheart, 54, tied the knot in 2004, and share children Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane in 2018; however, in March 2025, just one month before the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum announced his diagnosis, she dismissed the filing.
While speaking on the podcast, “Broad Ideas,” Gayheart previously opened up about the state of their relationship, insisting that she will always be there as a source of support for Dane, even though their marriage had ended.
“We’ve been separated for eight years. The kids live with me 100% of the time. There’s been lots of just stuff, other stuff,” she told hosts Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen.
She added that it is important for her to be a “role model” for her daughters, particularly in how she treats her former spouse.
“I am definitely trying to show them that we show up for people, no matter what. He is our family. He is your father. We show up, and we try to do it with some dignity and some grace and just get through it and that we will get through it the best we can,” she said.
Gayheart noted that she was staying afloat and helping her loved ones by trying to “stay optimistic.”
“I don’t know if I’m doing it well or doing it in the wrong way or the right way. I’m just showing up… and trying to be there for them. I guess time will tell,” she added.
The mom of two noted that her daughters are strong and “good girls,” who are feeling the pain of life’s lessons.
“Listen, I am definitely experiencing growth as a person, as a human being. It’s all very humbling.
“This is life. Life, sadly, is just moments good and bad, strung together,” she said, noting that it’s crucial to take care of yourself in these difficult moments as well.
Dane rose to stardom after appearing in ABC’s hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” where he played the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, who was often referred to as “Dr. McSteamy.”
While previously speaking to Sawyer about the status of his relationship, Dane was full of praise for Gayheart, paying tribute to the actress for her unwavering support throughout his diagnosis.
“We have managed to become better friends and better parents,” he explained. “She is probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her.”