Who is Rebecca Gayheart? Meet Eric Dane’s estranged wife who paused their divorce to become his primary support after his ALS diagnosis

Rebecca Gayheart, 54, has emerged as an unexpected pillar of strength for her estranged husband, Eric Dane, as he faces the challenges of an ALS diagnosis. Although the couple separated years ago, Gayheart has temporarily set aside their divorce proceedings to support Dane, the Grey’s Anatomy star, during this critical period. As ALS progresses rapidly, Dane requires constant care, a role that Gayheart has quietly taken on, navigating the complex logistics of round-the-clock medical support.




In a heartfelt essay for The Cut, Gayheart revealed the extensive efforts involved in managing Dane’s care, including negotiating with insurance providers to ensure access to necessary treatment. Despite their separation, she remains steadfast in her commitment, highlighting a unique and profound form of familial loyalty.




Rebecca Gayheart first captured public attention as the iconic “Noxzema Girl” in the early 1990s, before transitioning to a successful career in film and television. Her notable roles include Urban Legend, Jawbreaker, Scream 2, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Nip/Tuck, with a memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Beyond screen acting, Gayheart has also worked extensively in theatre, establishing herself as a versatile and respected performer.



Her personal life has been equally eventful. Gayheart married Eric Dane in 2004, and together they have two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Their marriage, while long-lasting, faced complications over the years, ultimately leading Gayheart to file for divorce in 2018. Despite living separately for eight years, they never finalised the divorce, a decision Gayheart revisited in 2025 following Dane’s public ALS announcement.



Reflecting on their relationship, she described it as a “complicated bond” that evolved from romance to familial love, characterised by mutual care and shared responsibility for their children. In her words, “We separated, but we never got a divorce; we haven’t lived in the same home for eight years; he’s dated other people, and I’ve dated someone. Our love may not be romantic, but it is familial.”



Today, Gayheart embodies a rare form of devotion, balancing the demands of parenting and caregiving while continuing to maintain her professional identity. Her actions illustrate a commitment that transcends romantic attachment, prioritising human connection, loyalty, and compassion. For Dane, this unwavering support enables him to remain engaged with his work, despite physical limitations, while exemplifying how love and duty can coexist in complex family dynamics.



Rebecca Gayheart’s story is a reminder that dedication and empathy can take many forms, often appearing where it is least expected, and that the bonds of family can endure beyond conventional definitions of marriage.