Eric Dane Sparks Romance Rumors With Janell Shirtcliff Amid ALS Battle and Relationship Tangles

Eric Dane and filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff appeared close and affectionate at the premiere of Prime Video’s new series Countdown, in which Dane stars. The two exchanged smiles, held hands, and appeared to be a couple. This public outing raised eyebrows, especially since Dane was not accompanied by his estranged wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, despite his recent praise of her in a national interview.

Eric Dane Leans on Rebecca Gayheart While Battling ALS and Facing Relationship Strains

Dane and Gayheart, who married in 2004, have had a complicated relationship. Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she requested to dismiss the case earlier this year. Despite living separate lives, Dane recently called her his “most stalwart supporter” and admitted that she is the first person he turns to daily, especially as he copes with his ALS diagnosis. The emotional bond remains strong, even if the romantic one is uncertain.

In April, Dane revealed that he has ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and recently shared that it has already affected both of his arms. In interviews, he has opened up emotionally, highlighting the importance of his support system. While Gayheart remains a central emotional anchor for him, the presence of Shirtcliff at the Countdown premiere suggests that she, too, plays a key role in his personal life during this health battle.

A Tangled Love Life Involving Priya Jain’s Past Scandals and Ongoing Uncertainty

Adding to the confusion is actor Priya Jain, who is reportedly Dane’s girlfriend. According to Page Six, Jain and Dane began dating last summer and became exclusive by November 2024. Jain was reportedly “blindsided” by his public appearance with Shirtcliff, believing their relationship was still ongoing. They had been spending nearly every night together and even shared matching tattoos, making the premiere a surprise, both emotional and public.

This isn’t Dane’s first experience with romantic controversy. A widely circulated 2009 video showed Dane, Gayheart, and another actor sharing a bathtub, which attracted significant media attention. Reflecting on the incident and his past struggles with prescription drug addiction, Dane has expressed that he holds no regrets.

Today, his romantic life remains uncertain, marked by a lasting bond with Gayheart, a complicated situation with Jain, and a close connection to Shirtcliff. All of this unfolds as he contends with the serious challenges posed by his ALS diagnosis.