Everything We Know About the Late Eric Dane’s Girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliffe
Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, and Charmed, has passed away at the age of 53 from his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many of his former castmates, his wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters are in mourning, and one person many are worried about is Dane’s reported girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliffe.
Dane and Shirtcliffe made headlines with their red carpet debut in 2025, but have kept a low profile since, despite dating for years. Even today, not much is known about their romance, but we do know quite a bit about Shirtcliffe.
Below, see everything we know about Janell Shirtcliffe.
Janell Shirtcliff Is a Filmmaker & Director
She made her directorial debut with the 2021 comedy thriller Habit, about a party girl who escapes a drug lord’s wrath by disguising herself as a nun. Bella Thorne stars, with Paris Jackson playing Jesus and Gavin Rossdale. The film wasn’t beloved by critics or viewers, and it caused controversy because many Christian groups were upset that Jesus was portrayed as a lesbian.
She made the story with her childhood best friend, Libby Mintz. “The fact that I get to share this moment with one of my best friends that I grew up with is really special,” Shirtcliff said to Caller Times. “There’s not that many people who get to have that.”
Before Habit, she has directed music videos like The Band Perry’s “The Good Life,” Bethany Cosentino’s “It’s Fine,” and more.
RELATED: Eric Dane Secretly Recoded His Last Words for Daughters Billie & Georgia
Janell Shirtcliff Owns a Vintage Shop
She first got into photography when she started her online vintage shop Lonelydot. She first started the business in 2013, per her Instagram page.
Janell Shirtcliff Is Also a Proud Photographer
She is a gifted photographer, snapping covers for brands such as LadyGunn, Variety, and WWW, among others. Per her website, she’s worked with an array of stars like Laverne Cox, Phoebe Bridges, Jenna Ortega, Alison Brie, and more.
Janell Shirtcliff Is a Mom of Two
She reportedly has two children, a son named Bowie and a daughter whose name she hasn’t publicly revealed.
Janell Shirtcliff Continually Works With Gavin Rossdale
Not only did Rossdale star in Habit, but according to ScreenRant, he was also set to star in another one of her films The Edge of Nowhere, but it’s unclear if that project has continued. In an interview with the same outlet, Rossdale talked about their friendship.
“I was so happy to be part of it. We’ve become really close; I call her my boss, and I just love her. And we have a great rapport. I’m doing another movie with her – that’s pretty exciting. It’s called The Edge of Nowhere. She’s just incredible, and she has that mixture of knowing exactly what she wants and being quite fluid with it,” he said. “I think for a first time, it’s a lot of things going on with a lot of moving parts. And she just effortlessly always looked really inspiring in a fantastic pink suit – she just always looked amazing and looked like her photographs.”
She shouted him out in 2025 on her Instagram, saying, “Dear friend, incredible father, fabulous chef, obviously amazing musician and the list goes on @gavinrossdale @bush.”
Shirtcliff Resides in Texas
Shirtcliff has lived in Corpus Christi virtually her entire life, frequently posting about her farm in Texas on Instagram.
Shirtcliff Was Previously Engaged to Youngblood Hawke singer Sam Martin
Janell Shirtcliff and Youngblood Hawke singer Sam Martin were reportedly engaged in 2014, but not much is known. It’s unknown when they broke up, but their only appearance was at The Holy Other: A Series Of Photos by Jena Malone, Opening Reception in Nov 2014.
Shirtcliff Runs a Ranch
She has an account called The Lonely Ranch that’s about her life on the ranch in Texas.
RELATED: Did Eric Dane & Rebecca Gayheart Reconcile? Here’s Everything We Know After His Shock Death at 53
Shirtcliff & Eric Dane Had an On-Again, Off-Again Romance
Dane and Shirtcliff made their red carpet debut in 2025. The two attended the premiere of Dane’s new show Countdown, side by side. And it was revealed that the two, per Entertainment Tonight, have been on and off for the past three years.
“The two have been in an on-and-off relationship for over three years and care deeply for each other,” the source said. “Eric asked Janell to be there for him during this time, and she wanted to show up for him.”
Not much else is known about their romance, but it’s believed they were together until his death in Feb 2026.
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