Meet Eric Dane's GF, Janell Shirtcliff, Actor Made Last Red Carpet Appearance With Her Before Death

Eric Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones after a months-long battle with ALS. The news of his demise left the actor's peers and fans shattered as they had been praying for his good health. Known for his role as 'Mark (McSteamy) Sloan' in the much-loved medical drama, Grey's Anatomy, the actor has built a strong fanbase that has followed him throughout his career and his battle with the autoimmune disease. 

While Eric Dane's demise has left everyone shattered, it has also brought his personal life back into the limelight. From his divorce with his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, being called off, to his relationship with filmmaker, Janell Shirtcliff, fans have had their eyes on everyone. As they mourn the loss of the much-loved star, let's take a look at his relationship with Janell Shirtcliff and how it was affected by the cancellation of his divorce.

Eric Dane made his last red carpet appearance with his girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff

In June 2025, Eric Dance graced the red carpet at the premiere of Countdown. However, what caught everyone's eye was the fact that the star was not alone. He was accompanied by the very gorgeous filmmaker, Janell Shirtcliff. The then-new couple walked hand-in-hand on the red carpet for the first time. However, little did anyone know that it would be the last time they would see the star on a red carpet. The couple was also spotted on a date night at Chateau Marmont the night before.

Not only was this Eric Dane's debut with his new lady love, Janell Shirtcliff, but also his first appearance after he announced his ASL diagnosis earlier in 2025. Unfortunately, this was his last as well, as the actor had to skip the Emmys after his health significantly deteriorated. Nonetheless, the focus remained on the couple, and fans' intrigue about Janell continued to grow. 

Well, according to insider reports by Entertainment Tonight, 'McSteamy' started dating Janell years after his separation from Rebecca Gayheart. Although they only made their relationship official in June 2025, the insider suggested the actor had been in an on-and-off relationship with Janell for over 3 years. The source was quoted as saying:

"The two have been in an on-and-off relationship for over three years and care deeply for each other. Eric asked Janell to be there for him during this time, and she wanted to show up for him."

Who is Janell Shirtcliff?

While we now know when Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff first made their relationship official, let's take a look at who the filmmaker really is. According to reports, Janell is an American photographer, filmmaker, and music video director based in Corpus Christi, Texas. She made her directorial debut with the 2021 film, Habit, starring Gavin Rossdale and Bella Thorne. As a music director, Janell Shirtcliff has worked with several renowned artists, including The Band Perry.

However, before making the shift to the directorial world, Janell had reportedly worked as a model for about a decade. She modelled for several major brands and appeared in Katy Perry's music video for her 2013 hit song, Unconditionally. Apart from her directorial and modelling career, Janell also dabbles in photography and owns a brand named The Lonely Dot. Her work has also appeared in popular outlets such as Variety and Billboard.

Did Rebecca Gayheart's dismissal of divorce affect Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff's relationship?

While Eric Dane was dating Janell Shirtcliff, he still wasn't officially divorced from his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The latter had filed for divorce in 2018, citing 'irreconcilable differences' after 14 years of marriage and two beautiful daughters, Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Geraldine Dane, but never finalised the legal proceedings. While the divorce had been in process for years, Rebecca requested to dismiss the filing in early 2025 after Eric was diagnosed with ALS. 

The decision reportedly came shortly after Eric Dane's ASL diagnosis, citing their marriage is a 'huge success'. Speaking about her marriage in an interview with E! News, Rebecca revealed that she and Eric had been really close and great co-parents. She was quoted as saying:

"We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great co-parents. I think it’s important not to look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It wasn't a failure. It was a huge success. We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years, and we had two beautiful kids, so I think that's a successful relationship, and that's how we look at it."

While Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart were married and continued to co-parent their kids, their relationship had changed significantly over the years. Rebecca admitted that they no longer shared a romantic bond and instead there was a "familial love" that was centred on loyalty and care. However, despite Rebecca calling off the divorce, its impact on Eric's relationship with Janell Shirtcliff was not as bad as one would think. While the couple was legally married, insiders suggest his connection with Janell had only grown stronger.

What are your thoughts on Eric Dane's relationship with Janell Shirtcliff? Let us know.

Next Read: Eric Dane Passed Away At 53, He Was A Father To Two Daughters, Here's Everything About Them

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