Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane passed away on Thursday at the age of 53, 10 months after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of Motor Neurone Disease
Johnny Depp stepped in to ease the financial strain on Eric Dane in the final months of his life.
The Grey’s Anatomy star, who passed away on Thursday (19/02) aged 53 — just 10 months after going public with his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis — had forged a friendship with the Pirates of the Caribbean actor through mutual friends, with Depp generously allowing Eric to live “basically rent-free” in one of his properties as his health deteriorated.
A source told the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column: “Eric [had] one less thing to worry about.
“[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.”
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The Euphoria actor, who shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with wife Rebecca Gayheart, had his death confirmed by his family on February 19, 2026.
In a heartfelt statement, they said: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre 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.”
In what would prove to be his final public appearance at an I AM ALS virtual panel in December 2025, Eric candidly described the reality of living with ALS as “so horrible”.
At the event, Eric spoke about his first role after being diagnosed in April 2025, appearing in the drama Brilliant Minds as Matthew, an ALS patient grappling with how to reveal his condition to his wife.
By June 2025, Eric had already lost function in his right arm and hand. He shared: “I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day.
“I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying.
“And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realised that I wasn’t built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me.”
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