Meet Eric Dane's New GF Janell Shirtcliff: Where They Stand After Divorce Cancellation With Rebecca

Eric Dane, best known for his role as ‘Mark Sloan’, aka ‘McSteamy’ in Grey’s Anatomy, left fans shocked and heartbroken after announcing his ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diagnosis. The toll of his condition is already showing in his diminishing abilities to walk, talk, and even speak properly. Recently, the 52-year-old actor was seen in a motorised wheelchair at an airport in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about his deteriorating health.

Amid his battle with ALS, Dane has been making headlines for his personal life, from his divorce being called off to his recent red carpet debut with filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff at the premiere of his new Amazon Prime series, Countdown. As the new couple walked in holding hands, there was no denying the chemistry as Eric and Janell shared affectionate glances. 

Dane and Shirtcliff appear closer than ever, but after Rebecca called off her years of divorce filing, fans can’t help but wonder about their relationship dynamics. So, who is Janell Shirtcliff, and where does their relationship stand after Rebecca cancelled the divorce? Read on to know more.

Eric Dane made a red carpet debut with Janell Shirtcliff, his first appearance after his ALS diagnosis and divorce cancellation

Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff walked hand-in-hand on the red carpet for the first time a few months back. In June 2025, the 52-year-old actor and his 41-year-old girlfriend were all smiles as they posed for cameras at the season one premiere of Countdown, holding hands and gazing into each other. The couple had also been spotted on a date night at Chateau Marmont the night before.

This was Dane’s first red carpet appearance after he announced his ASL diagnosis earlier this year. According to insider reports by Entertainment Tonight, the Grey’s Anatomy star started dating the director years after his separation from Rebecca Gayheart, and they ‘deeply care for each other’. The source added:

“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?

Janell Shirtcliff is an American photographer, filmmaker, and music video director based in Corpus Christi, Texas. The 41-year-old made her directorial debut in 2021 with the film Habit, starring Gavin Rossdale and Bella Thorne. Before shifting to her directorial venture, Shirtcliff had reportedly worked as a model for about a decade.

As a music video director, Janell has worked with renowned artists like The Band Perry. She also modelled for major brands and even appeared in Katy Perry’s 2013 hit music video, Unconditionally. She owns a photography brand, The Lonely Dot, and her photography has also appeared in popular outlets such as Variety and Billboard.

Despite Eric Dane’s ongoing health challenges, his joint appearance with Janell Shirtcliff confirms that the couple is going strong, and their relationship has grown into a supportive partnership. 

Where do Eric and Janell stand now that Rebecca has cancelled the divorce?

Even though Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff share an undeniable chemistry, their relationship may not be the easiest. For the uninitiated, Dane has been married to Rebecca Gayheart since 2004, and they share two daughters, Billie Beatrice Dane, 15, and Georgia Geraldine Dane, 13. In 2018, after 14 years of marriage, Rebecca filed for divorce, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’.

The divorce proceedings had been going on for seven years until earlier in 2025, when Rebecca reportedly requested to dismiss the divorce filing, calling their marriage ‘a huge success’. The decision reportedly came shortly after Dane’s ASL diagnosis. Speaking about her marriage in an interview with E! News, Rebecca revealed that she and Eric have been really close and great co-parents. Citing their relationship as ‘successful’, she remarked:

“We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great co-parents. I think it’s important to not 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."

However, while the two remain spouses and continue co-parenting their kids, their relationship has transitioned somewhere beyond just romantic love. Despite Gayheart calling off the divorce, Dane and Shirtcliff’s bond seems to remain stronger than ever. Rebecca and Eric may still be legally married, but insiders suggest his connection with Janell has only grown closer. 

Despite his close bond with Janell, the Charmed star continues to speak warmly about Rebecca. A few weeks ago, during a heartfelt interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane choked up as he praised his estranged wife for her unyielding support throughout his ALS battle. Reflecting on their relationship, the actor shared:

“I call Rebecca. I talk to her every day. We have managed to become better friends and better parents, and she is probably my biggest champion and most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her.”

Inside Eric Dane’s battle with ALS

In April 2025, a month after reports confirmed that Rebecca had revoked the divorce filing, Eric Dane shared the heartbreaking news of his ALS diagnosis. For those unaware, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. With time, the patient loses muscle strength, which leads to loss of mobility and eventually difficulty speaking, eating, and breathing. 

There’s no cure for ALS except consistent care and management. Speaking about his condition, the Grey’s Anatomy star shared on Good Morning America:

“I have one functioning arm. My dominant side, my left side, is functioning.”

His most recent appearance in a wheelchair indicates that his conditioning is changing for the worse, but his will to live has remained undeterred. On September 29, 2025, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California shared a TikTok video from his meeting with the Grey’s Anatomy star, who joined advocates from the I Am ALS organisation in calling for increased federal support for research.

During the conversation, he was seen in a wheelchair; however, his will to live remained undeterred. In the video, he shared that he still has the will to live and will try his best to fight this condition so that he can witness all of his daughters' biggest milestones. He was quoted as saying:

"I'm gonna fight to the last breath on this one."

According to The Daily Mail, Eric Dane is staying focused on positivity despite the challenges of his ALS diagnosis. An insider shared that the 52-year-old is surrounded by the love of his family, including daughters Billie and Georgia. He reportedly wants to embrace life for as long as possible and doesn’t want people to grieve while he continues to fight the condition. The insider said:

"He wants to live life, and he doesn’t want people grieving him or for him while he is going through this terrible disease. He wants the people in his life to be present and as happy as they can be."

Eric Dane’s journey captivates fans as he balances his ALS battle, co-parenting, and new love. With Janell Shirtcliff by his side and Rebecca as a supportive co-parent, our beloved ‘McSteamy’ faces his toughest chapter with courage, positivity, and love.

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