Johnny Depp Provides Rent-Free Home for Friend Eric Dane Battling ALS

Depp opens his doors to 'Grey's Anatomy' star as he struggles with debilitating disease.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Johnny Depp has quietly offered his friend Eric Dane, the 'Grey's Anatomy' star recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the use of one of Depp's Los Angeles homes with a pay-what-you-can arrangement to help ease Dane's financial burden during his health battle. Depp and Dane have been friends for years through mutual connections, and the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor wanted to do what he could to support Dane as he faces the devastating effects of the progressive neurological disease.

Why it matters

Dane's ALS diagnosis has left him struggling with the loss of muscle control, and the financial strain of medical costs and inability to work can add to the immense challenges faced by ALS patients and their families. Depp's gesture of providing Dane with rent-free housing is a meaningful act of compassion that highlights the importance of community support for those battling serious illnesses.

The details

Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, and by June he had lost the use of his right arm. The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition that affects nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Dane has thrown himself into advocacy work, joining the board of directors at Target ALS to help fund research for treatments and a cure. In November, he played a firefighter battling ALS in an episode of 'Brilliant Minds.' However, Dane was forced to cancel his appearance at the ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala in January where he was set to be honored, due to the physical toll of the disease.

  • Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
  • By June 2025, Dane had lost the use of his right arm.
  • In November 2025, Dane appeared in an episode of 'Brilliant Minds' playing a firefighter with ALS.
  • In January 2026, Dane had to cancel his appearance at the ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala.

The players

Johnny Depp

An American actor known for his roles in films such as the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise.

Eric Dane

An American actor best known for his role on the TV series 'Grey's Anatomy' who was diagnosed with ALS in 2025.

Target ALS

A non-profit organization that funds research aimed at finding treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

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What they’re saying

“My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won't have my left hand either. It's sobering.”

— Eric Dane (Good Morning America)

What’s next

Dane continues his advocacy work with Target ALS while managing the progression of his ALS symptoms.

The takeaway

Depp's compassionate gesture of providing Dane with rent-free housing highlights the importance of community support for those battling serious illnesses like ALS, which can create immense financial and emotional burdens for patients and their families.