Eric Dane’s girlfriend Janell Shirtcliff honors 'Grey’s Anatomy' actor with heartfelt photos

On Instagram, Janell Shirtcliff shared candid moments of Eric Dane, including a tattoo snapshot and a cowboy hat photo beside a horse
Following the death of Eric Dane, his girlfriend Janell Shirtcliff offered a heartfelt glimpse into their relationship by sharing a series of personal photos on social media (JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)
Following the death of Eric Dane, his girlfriend Janell Shirtcliff offered a heartfelt glimpse into their relationship by sharing a series of personal photos on social media (JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Janell Shirtcliff, girlfriend of the late Eric Dane, has shared a collection of personal photos on her Instagram Stories to honor the actor following his death. 

The filmmaker and photographer showcased the off-camera bond she shared with the star during his final years.

Eric and Janell seemingly debuted their romance in June, two months after he shared his ALS diagnosis (Screenshot/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)
Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff debuted their romance in June 2025, two months after he shared his ALS diagnosis  (Screengrab/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)

Eric Dane's girlfriend posts tribute to late actor

The shared images captured intimate moments between Shirtcliff and the actor, featuring the pair laughing, holding hands, and enjoying time together. 

Janell highlighted candid moments she shared with Eric in a series of Instagram story (Screenshot/Janell Shirtcliff/Instagram)
Janell Shirtcliff highlighted candid moments she shared with Eric Dane in a series of Instagram stories (Screengrab/Janell Shirtcliff/Instagram)

One particular snapshot highlights Dane getting a tattoo, perfectly illustrating the joyful attitude he will forever be remembered by. 

Janell Shirtcliff's Instagram story of Eric Dane on Saturday, February 21 (Screenshot/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)
Janell Shirtcliff's Instagram story of Eric Dane on Saturday, February 21 (Screengrab/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)

While the couple famously made their red carpet debut in 2025 at the 'Countdown' premiere, they had maintained a notably low profile throughout their years together. 

Eric Dane's girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff, remembers the late 'Grey's Anatomy' star (Screengrab/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)
Eric Dane's girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff, remembered the late 'Grey's Anatomy' star (Screengrab/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)

Their connection persisted even as Dane remained legally married to Rebecca Gayheart, who remained a devoted presence by his side throughout his difficult battle with ALS.

Picture of Dane laughing as Janell Shirtcliff took the selfie (Screengrab/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)
A picture of Eric Dane laughing as Janell Shirtcliff took the selfie was among the images that Shirtcliff shared on her Instagram stories (Screengrab/JanellShirtcliff/Instagram)

Eric Dane's family’s final tribute

Rebecca Gayheart also took to social media on Saturday, February 21, to pay tribute to her late husband by sharing candid photos of Dane with their daughters, 15-year-old Billie and 13-year-old Georgia.

These snapshots, posted just days after his passing, emphasized the deep bond he shared with his children and the central role fatherhood played in his life. 

Rebecca Gayheart shared candid family memories of Eric Dane with their daughters after his death (@rebeccagayheartdane/Instagram)
Rebecca Gayheart shared candid family memories of Eric Dane with their daughters after his death (@rebeccagayheartdane/Instagram)

Gayheart's stories on Instagram also showed reshared tributes from friends and colleagues remembering the actor.

It is to be noted that the 'Euphoria' star died on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53, less than a year after his public diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

According to a family 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."

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Georgia Dane, Eric Dane and Billie Dane attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures'
Georgia Dane, Eric Dane and Billie Dane attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures' 'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' at the TCL Chinese Theater on May 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Tributes to Eric Dane from colleagues and friends

The loss of the actor has prompted an outpouring of grief from his former co-stars, who fondly remember his time on screen. 

Patrick Dempsey shared his sorrow during an appearance on 'The Chris Evans Breakfast Show' on February 20, where he spoke emotionally about the humor and genuine joy Dane consistently brought to the set. 

Similarly, Kate Walsh turned to Instagram to express her mourning, noting that she was "at a loss for words" regarding his death.

She offered prayers for his family while praising his "sensitivity, vulnerability, and intelligence," reflecting on how the cast of 'Grey’s Anatomy' had become like family during their time working together.

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