Eric Dane Makes a Poignant Red Carpet Comeback Amid ALS Battle, Accompanied by New Love Interest – Originally Featured in Parade
Eric Dane made a heartfelt return to the red carpet, shining a light on his indomitable spirit and a seemingly burgeoning romance amidst his courageous fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The 52-year-old actor stepped out in all his glory at the Los Angeles premiere of his new Amazon Prime Video series, "Countdown," on Wednesday, June 18th. This marked his first public appearance since disclosing his ALS diagnosis in April.
Hand-in-hand with photographer and filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff, Dane graced the carpet with a series of warm smiles as they posed together, radiating an air of camaraderie. Dane donned a relaxed ensemble comprising a casual white T-shirt, a cardigan, tan corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers. Shirtcliff complemented his attire perfectly in a dark red wrap dress and coordinating sunglasses.
Post the red carpet festivities, the duo headed to an afterparty where Dane was seen reveling in the company of his "Countdown" costars and crew. According to an Entertainment Tonight report on the same day, Dane and Shirtcliff have been in an on-again, off-again relationship for three years, although neither has publicly acknowledged their relationship status.
Dane's estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, initiated divorce proceedings against the "Grey's Anatomy" alumnus in 2018. However, shortly before Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in the spring, Gayheart withdrew the divorce petition after seven years of separation. The former couple continues to coparent their two children, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
In an emotional interview with Good Morning America earlier this week, Dane shared insights into his and Gayheart's ongoing mutual support, offering an update on the status of their relationship. "I talk to her every day. We've managed to become better friends and better parents. She is probably my biggest champion, my most steadfast supporter, and I lean on her," Dane said, fighting back tears.
Dane also provided an update on his progression with the fatal disease. A year and a half after his initial diagnosis, he currently has "one functioning arm." Revealing his prognosis for the upcoming months, he said, "I feel like maybe in a couple more months, I won't have use of my left hand either. It's sobering."
Eric Dane Makes a Poignant Red Carpet Comeback Amid ALS Battle, Accompanied by New Love Interest was first featured in Parade on June 19, 2025.
