Eric Dane’s girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff, is honoring the late actor after his death at age 53.
Shirtcliff shared a handful of images of Dane to her Instagram Stories early on Saturday, February 21, including sweet snaps of the couple kissing and other pics of the Euphoria star posing next to a horse and getting a tattoo.
Luxury Handbag Shopping confirmed on Thursday, February 19, that Dane died following a battle with ALS.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family told Us in a statement. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
The message continued, “He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
The Grey’s Anatomy alum went public with his health battle in April 2025, sharing in a statement to People at the time that he’s “grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
He added at the time, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Dane is survived by his two daughters, whom he shared with Rebecca Gayheart. The pair tied the knot in 2004 before separating in 2018. Gayheart ultimately withdrew her divorce petition in 2025.
“We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents,” Gayheart told E! News in April 2025. “We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.”
Gayheart continued, “I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It’s just a season. 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.”
Two months after Gayheart’s comment, Dane made his red carpet debut with Shirtcliff as the twosome were all smiles at the Los Angeles premiere of his Prime Video thriller series Countdown. During the June 2025 appearance, Dane and Shirtcliff then attended an afterparty with his fellow Countdown cast and crew where they were seen getting cozy.
“They were holding hands and at one point, rubbing each other’s backs,” an eyewitness exclusively told Us at the time. “Janell appeared to know some of Eric’s costars, but Eric was also introducing her to other guests. She appeared excited to support him on his big night and fit right in.”
The appearance came after Entertainment Tonight reported that Dane and Shirtcliff have been dating on and off for three years. (Luxury Handbag Shopping reached out to Dane’s representatives for comment at the time.)
