Real-Life Loves
Meet Janell Shirtcliff, the Director Who’s Reportedly Dating Eric Dane Amid His ALS Diagnosis
Eric Dane turned heads when he walked the red carpet at the premiere of Countdown with Janell Shirtcliff. The two held hands as they posed for photos together, seemingly confirming their romance.
This was Dane’s first red carpet appearance since he announced in April that he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Since the actor had been photographed out with Priya Jain in recent months, fans were shocked to see a different woman on his arm at this premiere event.
Scroll down to learn more about Shirtcliff and everything else we know about her relationship with Dane.
What does Janell Shirtcliff do for a living?
Shirtcliff is a filmmaker, photographer, and director. She’s directed a number of music videos, and her film directorial debut was the 2021 movie Habit. Bella Thorne and Paris Jackson starred in the film, which Shirtcliff also cowrote.
She also directed the documentary Mother of the Dawn and will helm the upcoming fantasy horror movie Triton.
Celebrities photographed by Shirtcliff include Thorne, Jenna Ortega, Gavin Rossdale, and more.
How long have Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff been dating?
After Dane and Shirtcliff made their red carpet debut, Entertainment Tonight reported that they “have been in an on-and-off relationship for over three years and care deeply for each other.”
The site’s source also noted, “Eric asked Janell to be there for him during this time, and she wanted to show up for him.”
Does Janell Shirtcliff have kids?
The director reportedly has two children.
Is Eric Dane still with wife Rebecca Gayheart?
Dane married Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. They had two children together, and she filed for divorce in 2018. However, seven years later, she dismissed her petition for divorce in March 2025, just weeks before Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis.
Around that time, Gayheart told E!, “We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents. 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.”
While discussing his ALS on Good Morning America in June, Dane echoed what Gayheart said about their present-day relationship. “I talk to her every day,” he admitted. “We have managed to become better friends and better parents, and she is probably my biggest champion and most stalwart supporter. I lean on her.”
However, the two have not specified their current relationship status and appear to be in each other’s lives as coparents and friends, as opposed to romantically.
