Eric Dane’s widow, Rebecca Gayheart (left), and his girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff (right), are both grieving his death. Eric died Thursday from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 53.
“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,” the family said in a statement.
The beloved actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” announced his diagnosis in April 2025.
The disease causes loss of muscle control, breathing difficulties and paralysis that get progressively worse over time.
Rebecca, 54, stayed by Eric’s side and comforted him in his final days, according to Page Six.
Janell, 42, was also there for Eric amid his ALS battle. She posted several photos with Eric to her Instagram Stories on Friday.
One photo shows Eric kissing Janell’s shoulder on a beach. Reports of Eric and Janell’s relationship first surfaced last June.
An insider told Entertainment Tonight that Eric and Janell had been “in an on-and-off relationship for over three years.” The source said they cared “deeply for each other.”
“Eric asked Janell to be there for him during this time, and she wanted to show up for him,” the source added.
Rebecca filed for divorce in 2018, but she withdrew the divorce in 2025 when he was diagnosed with ALS.
She detailed their complicated life in an episode of “Broad Ideas” podcast.
Rebecca (pictured with Eric in 2015) said she continued to “show up” for Eric to be a good “role model” to their daughters.
At the time, Rebecca said she and Eric had been separated for 8 years.
Eric and Rebecca, whom he married in 2004, shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
Friends launched a GoFundMe that raised over $300,000 for Billie and Georgia. The GoFundMe surpassed the original $250,000 goal on Friday.
