Eric Dane spent his final months battling ALS with quiet strength — and the support of close friends, including Johnny Depp.
According to reports, Depp allowed Dane to live rent-free in one of his Los Angeles homes as the illness progressed. The gesture was meant to ease financial pressure so Dane could focus on his health and family.
Dane died at 53, less than a year after publicly sharing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease that affects muscle control. He first noticed weakness in his hand in 2024. By mid-2025, the condition had advanced significantly.
Rather than withdraw from public life, Dane chose to speak openly about ALS. He used interviews and public appearances to raise awareness and encourage research. In one of his final interviews, he described the disease as “horrible” but said he was determined not to lose his spirit.
His family confirmed he passed away surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. Tributes from the ALS community praised his honesty and advocacy.
In his final year, Dane focused on two things: his family and helping others understand the reality of ALS. Those who knew him say he faced his illness with courage, dignity, and gratitude for the support around him.