Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images
The passing of Eric Dane at the age of 53 has plunged his fanbase into mourning. The acclaimed actor had publicly discussed his struggle with ALS recently. His family verified the sad news through a declaration, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Eric Dane’s passing on Thursday afternoon, after his valiant fight with ALS. He was surrounded by cherished friends, his loving wife, and his two precious daughters, Billie and Georgia, the very core of his universe, in his final moments.”
Although the Grey’s Anatomy actor was still legally married to his spouse, Rebecca Gayheart, when he died, he had been romantically involved with Janell Shirtcliff for several years. As tributes continue to stream in, Shirtcliff released a touching message, giving respect to the departed actor and reflecting on their shared experiences.
Here’s what you should know regarding Janell and her bond with Dane.
She Is a Photographer and Filmmaker
Born in Texas, Shirtcliff is a director of films, photography and music videos who previously dedicated a decade to modeling before establishing a reputable artistic career. Her pictures have appeared in popular media sources, and she has helmed both films and music videos.
In June of 2025, Shirtcliff and Dane formally announced their coupling on the red carpet at the Los Angeles debut of his Amazon Prime series Countdown, although they generally kept their relationship under wraps up until his demise.
She Has 2 Kids
Shirtcliff is a mother of two, one of whom is a son named Bowie, according to her bio.
In accolades released following Dane’s passing, she unveiled personal moments in which her children interacted with Dane — for instance, a video of her daughter encouraging him to smile for photographs — emphasizing the close friendship developed between her children and Dane in the period before he died.
She Was in a Relationship With Eric Dane in His Final Years
Shirtcliff and Dane had an on-again, off-again partnership spanning around three years preceding his death in February 2026.
After his ALS diagnosis, their relationship became more noticeable when they made a red carpet appearance together in 2025, and Shirtcliff eventually shared a sincere tribute on Instagram following his passing, accompanied by sincere images and clips from their life as a couple. The posts granted admirers an intimate peek at their bond.
Even though their relationship was out in the open, Dane remained legally married to Gayheart. They had separated previously, but had later reconciled, partially dismissing divorce proceedings in 2025 amid his sickness. In a piece for The Cut, dated December 2025, Gayheart defined their connection as intensely meaningful, even though it was no longer romantic.
“Eric knows I will constantly seek what is best for him,” the Beverly Hills, 90210 actress noted. “That I’m going to try to do what is best by him. And I realize he would reciprocate… So, any action I can take, or any means I can utilize, to enhance his journey or alleviate his burden, is what I aspire to do. And I wish to show my girls this as an example: ‘That’s what one should do. That’s the appropriate course of action.’”
Gayheart, who mentioned their daughters as a crucial element in their reconciliation, added that she wished to represent maturity and compassion for their daughters, stating that she desired them to observe “two grown-ups endeavoring to act responsibly and prioritize what is significant.”