Janell Shirtcliff’s Heartfelt Tribute to Eric Dane Following Actor’s Passing
The girlfriend of the late Eric Dane, Janell Shirtcliff, has shared a poignant series of photographs and a video as a touching tribute to the actor, who passed away on Friday (AEDT) after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease. Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – commonly known as motor neurone disease – in early 2025.
Shirtcliff and Dane made their public debut as a couple in June 2025, stepping out together at the premiere of the series Countdown. This marked Dane’s final red carpet appearance before his health declined. The relationship’s public unveiling reportedly came as a surprise to some, including Priya Jain, who was also rumoured to be dating the actor at the time. Neither Jain nor Shirtcliff were mentioned in the official statement announcing Dane’s death at the age of 53.
Dane had been married to actress Rebecca Gayheart since 2004. The couple, who are parents to two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, separated in 2018. However, their divorce proceedings were reportedly put on hold following Dane’s diagnosis.
It’s understood that Dane had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Shirtcliff, a photographer and director, for approximately three years leading up to their joint red carpet appearance. While it remains unclear if they were still a couple at the time of his passing, Shirtcliff took to her Instagram Story to share a deeply personal collection of memories.
The collection featured numerous photographs and a video capturing moments from their time together. Many of these appear to have been taken after Dane’s diagnosis, offering a glimpse into their final months. The images showcase Dane both in solitude and in affectionate moments with Shirtcliff, including him kissing her on the head and shoulder. Other photos depict Dane with a pony and receiving a tattoo on his arm, while the accompanying video shows the couple singing together during a car journey.
A Courageous Battle and a Legacy of Advocacy
The news of Eric Dane’s death was formally announced in a statement shared with People magazine. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.”
The statement further highlighted Dane’s commitment to raising awareness and driving research for ALS. “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.”
Tributes from Hollywood and Beyond
Since the announcement of his death, numerous prominent figures in Hollywood and Dane’s former co-stars have shared their heartfelt tributes. Among them was Kate Walsh, who starred alongside Dane in Grey’s Anatomy. Walsh broke her silence on Instagram, sharing her profound sadness and praising Dane’s “sensitivity and vulnerability.” She reminisced about their first meeting on the set of the medical drama, recalling his initial nervousness before filming their first scene together.
Walsh, whose character Dr. Addison Montgomery famously had an affair with Dane’s Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan, expressed her deep sorrow. “I’m at a loss for words to try and express the sadness around Eric’s passing,” she wrote. “First and foremost I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and my heart.” She continued, “I literally remember my very first scene with Eric… an elevator scene at Seattle Greys. I believe it was his first scene on the show too and he was nervous. He was so handsome and I thought ‘But can this guy act?’ and of course he could, and did, and the rest is history.”
Walsh further elaborated on Dane’s character, noting his “sensitivity and vulnerability, (and intelligence, of course).” She described his presence as having a “gravitas and old soul that made his work magnetic and made him a great friend off set.” Reflecting on the close bonds formed on long-running television shows, Walsh stated that the cast became “a family of sorts,” and that “Eric was such a source of support and love.” She concluded her tribute by urging support for ALS research, mentioning @targetals as a way to honour Dane’s memory.
Supporting Dane’s Daughters
In the wake of the actor’s passing, friends of Eric Dane have established a GoFundMe campaign with the aim of raising funds for his daughters. The campaign description emphasises Dane’s dedication to his children, stating they “were the centre of his world.” It also reiterates his role as a spokesperson for the ALS community.
“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease.” The campaign highlights the rapid progression of his illness and the friends’ desire to provide “stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.” As of today, the fund has raised over $212,000 towards its $250,000 target.
A Final Message to His Children
In the days leading up to his death, Eric Dane recorded a poignant final message for his daughters, Billie and Georgia. This deeply personal video, lasting nearly five minutes, was released by streaming service Netflix. The message concluded with the heartfelt words, “Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
