Johnny Depp Lets Eric Dane Live in His ‘Basically Rent-Free’ LA Home to ‘Reduce the Late Actor’s Financial Burden’ During ALS Battle

Johnny Depp it is reported that he was approved by his fellow actor and close friend Eric Dane living in one of his “rental” California homes, so the father of two won’t have to worry about the financial burden of his brutal battle with ALS.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” actor, who was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disease in April 2025, died on February 19 at the age of 53, leaving behind two daughters. Billie again Georgiawhom he shared with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

Speaking to Page Six, a source close to the actor revealed that Depp, 62, who met Dane through mutual friends, offered the ailing actor a place to stay so he wouldn’t have to worry about the cost of finding a place to stay.

“Eric [had] something else we have to worry about,” said the source.[He was] you basically live for free in one of the houses Johnny has over the Sunset Strip. He told Eric to pay whatever he could—or couldn’t—in rent.”

“Johnny wanted to do what he could to reduce the financial burden,” a second source told the media.

Insiders did not disclose how much, if anything, Dane paid Depp for the property, and it is unclear how long the “Grey’s Anatomy” star spent living in the rented property.

After the news of Dane’s passing was revealed, details emerged about his final days, with insiders saying he “was bedridden” before he died.

His death was revealed in a statement by his management.

“He spent his last days surrounded by his 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 to others facing the same battle. He will always be missed, and remembered fondly. Eric loved his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

After his death, 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.

“After his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate advocate for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for his fellow patients and raise awareness,” the page’s description says.

“Even as his health deteriorated, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed much faster than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.”

After his death, many of his famous friends came forward to reveal the last moments of this actor.

One of those friends was his “Grey’s Anatomy” costar. Patrick Dempseywho revealed that he saw Dane a few days before he died.

“I feel so bad for his kids. I was texting him, we texted each other, so I talked to him about a week ago and some of our friends came in to see him and he was starting to lose his ability to speak,” Dempsey said during an appearance on the “Chris Evans Breakfast Show” on Feb. 20.

As he fondly remembers his dear friend, Dempsey revealed that Dane’s health was quickly “deteriorating,” explaining that the actor was unable to speak or swallow.

“He was bedridden and it was very difficult for him to swallow, so his quality of life was deteriorating very quickly. He was a very funny man – he was a lot of fun to work with, and I want to remember him in that spirit because whenever he spoke, he brought a lot of joy to it.

“He had a great laugh. He was easy to work with, we got along right away. The first scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with a towel and looking amazing, making you feel completely absent and insignificant,” said Dempsey.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” star spoke about Dane, noting that he has done a great job in raising awareness about the disease.

“You have done a wonderful job in raising awareness of this terrible disease and those remaining days and it reminds us that we should all celebrate every day as if it were our last.

“It’s something we have to remember and certainly in a world where there’s so much trouble and so much tragedy that we really need to be thankful for every moment we have … spend time with our families, do better things, that helps other people to be kind, to be loving,” said Dempsey.

“And these values ​​and our leadership unfortunately that we see around the world and certainly in America with this corrupt government, you know, the corrupt government that is running America right now, we have to remember to treat our neighbors and our friends with the right values.”

After Dane’s death, tributes poured in from those close to him in the industry, includingKevin McKiddagainKim Raver.

Dane 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; but, in March 2025, one month before the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum announced her diagnosis, she denied it.

Speaking on the podcast, “Broad Ideas,” Gayheart previously opened up about the state of their relationship, insisting that she would always be there as a source of support for Dane, even though their marriage was over.

“We have been separated for eight years. The kids stay with me 100% of the time. There were just a lot of things, other things,” he told the hostsRachel BilsonagainOlivia Allen.

He added that it is important for him to be a “good example” for his daughters, especially in the way he treats his ex-husband.

“I definitely try to show them that we come from the people no matter what. You are our family. You are your father. We come from, and we try to do it with dignity and some grace and get through it and we will get through it,” he said.

Gayheart noted that he always traveled and helped his loved ones by trying to “stay positive.”

“I don’t know if I’m doing it right or wrong or right. I’m just showing up… and trying to be there for them. I think time will tell,” he added.

The mother of two noted that her daughters are strong and “good girls,” feeling the pain of life lessons.

“Listen, I’m really experiencing growth as a person, all of this is very humbling.

“This is life.” Sadly, life is just good times and bad times, mixed together,” he said, noting that it is important to take care of yourself even in these difficult times.

Dane rose to fame after appearing on ABC’s hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” where he played Dr. Mark Sloan, who used to be called “Dr. McSteamy.”

While previously speaking to Sawyer about the state of his relationship, Dane was full of praise for Gayheart, paying tribute to the actor for his unwavering support during his diagnosis.

“We were able to become better friends and better parents,” he explained. “He is probably my biggest champion and my strongest supporter, and I depend on him.”