Eric McCormack and Janet Holden Divorce: A Look Back at Their 26-Year Marriage

In a significant development in Hollywood, beloved actor Eric McCormack, widely recognized for his iconic role as Will Truman on the hit series Will & Grace, is navigating a personal transition as his wife, Janet Holden, has filed for divorce after 26 years of marriage. The legal proceedings were initiated on November 22, with Janet citing “irreconcilable differences” as the fundamental reason for seeking to dissolve their union, according to reports from TMZ. This filing marks the end of one of Hollywood’s more enduring relationships, sparking widespread interest among fans and media alike. Furthermore, sources indicate that Janet is reportedly seeking spousal support from the 60-year-old actor, a common request in long-term marriages within California divorce proceedings, aimed at ensuring financial stability for both parties post-separation.

The news of their divorce comes as a surprise to many, given the couple’s relatively private yet seemingly stable partnership over two and a half decades. Eric McCormack, a Canadian-American actor, rose to international fame through his portrayal of a gay lawyer in Will & Grace, a role that earned him an Emmy Award and cemented his status as a television icon. His personal life, particularly his marriage to Janet Holden, has often been viewed as a quiet success story amidst the often turbulent landscape of celebrity relationships. The couple’s journey began long before Eric’s breakout role, setting the stage for a relationship built away from the intense glare of prime-time stardom.

Eric and Janet’s paths first crossed in the early 1990s on the set of a different television series, a period when both were actively building their careers within the demanding entertainment industry. This initial encounter laid the groundwork for a romance that would blossom into a quarter-century-long marriage, a testament to their shared history and commitment. For many years, Janet remained a supportive, albeit less public, figure beside Eric, often appearing with him at red-carpet events and industry functions. This article delves deeper into Janet Holden’s background, her career, and the intricate details of her enduring relationship with Eric McCormack, exploring the nuances of their partnership and the factors that led to this recent filing for divorce.

Who Is Janet Holden?

Janet Holden, much like Eric McCormack, hails from Canada and has carved out her own niche within the vibrant entertainment industry. Her career, particularly prominent during the 1990s, saw her take on significant roles behind the scenes, specifically as an assistant director on a variety of television series and films. Her professional credits from that decade include working on projects such as Lonesome Dove: The Series, which notably was where she first met Eric, as well as feature films like Angel Flight Down, Portraits of a Killer, In Cold Blood, and the live-action adaptation of Mr. Magoo. These roles are critical to the successful execution of film and television productions, requiring meticulous organization, strong leadership, and an acute understanding of the filmmaking process. As an assistant director, Janet played a crucial role in managing the set, coordinating schedules, and ensuring the smooth flow of daily operations, demonstrating her commitment and skill in a demanding field.

While her work as an assistant director showcased her talent and dedication, details regarding Janet’s professional endeavors since the 1990s have remained largely out of the public eye. This shift towards a more private life suggests a focus on family and personal interests, especially following Eric’s surge in fame with Will & Grace. Many spouses of high-profile celebrities often choose to step back from public-facing careers, prioritizing privacy and family life, and it appears Janet may have followed a similar path. Her contributions to the entertainment industry in the 90s, however, speak to a capable professional who navigated the complexities of production sets with expertise and contributed to several notable projects of the era.

How Long Were Janet and Eric Married?

Eric McCormack and Janet Holden exchanged vows in August 1997, marking the beginning of a marriage that would span more than 26 years. This impressive duration places their union among the longer-lasting celebrity marriages in an industry often characterized by fleeting relationships. The longevity of their partnership speaks volumes about the deep connection and shared history they cultivated over more than two and a half decades. Despite their long journey together, the precise date of their official separation remains unconfirmed, as Janet’s divorce filing, typical in such proceedings, did not specify a date of separation, opting instead for the more general term of “irreconcilable differences.” This often indicates that the breakdown of the marriage was a gradual process rather than a single, precipitating event.

The story of their meeting is a classic Hollywood romance, albeit one that began behind the cameras. The former couple’s paths intersected on the set of the 1994 Canadian television show Lonesome Dove, a Western series based on the popular novel. At the time, Eric was an aspiring actor honing his craft, while Janet was diligently working as an assistant director, orchestrating the daily logistics of the production. Their professional roles initially kept them in distinct spheres, but their shared environment eventually sparked a connection that transcended the workplace. Eric himself shed light on the initial stages of their relationship in a revealing interview with The Guardian in 2007, offering a candid glimpse into their early romance and the unique circumstances that surrounded it.

Recalling their early days, Eric fondly reminisced, “She was the assistant director. I was just coming out of a relationship, and not to be trusted.” This self-deprecating humor hinted at his own apprehension and perhaps a history of turbulent relationships, particularly with fellow actors. He continued, highlighting Janet’s distinct qualities that set her apart from others he had dated: “I’d been dating actresses but Janet was different. She wore jeans, drove a pick-up truck…” This description paints a picture of Janet as grounded, practical, and perhaps refreshingly un-Hollywood in her demeanor, qualities that clearly captivated Eric. Initially, Janet was hesitant to embark on a relationship with an actor, understanding the inherent challenges and demands of such a partnership. “At first she wasn’t too keen. She knew actors are a lot of work: it would be like taking your work home with you.” However, Eric’s persistence ultimately won her over. “But I managed to convince her. We had a secret affair the first season.” The clandestine nature of their romance stemmed from the unwritten rules of professional conduct on set. “I mean, dating crew! Actually, it was much worse for her, because she wasn’t supposed to give any of the actors preferential treatment.” This early dynamic of a forbidden romance added an intriguing layer to their developing love story, one that ultimately endured and blossomed into a long-standing marriage.

Their journey from a secret on-set romance to a celebrated long-term marriage serves as a fascinating example of how personal relationships can flourish even within the demanding and often scrutinized world of entertainment. Over the decades, they navigated the highs and lows of Eric’s burgeoning career, including the immense success of Will & Grace, which brought him global recognition and intensified public interest in his life. Through it all, their partnership seemed to provide a steady foundation, showcasing their resilience and commitment to each other and their family.

Do Janet and Eric Have Kids?

Janet Holden and Eric McCormack share one son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, who was born in July 2002 and is now 21 years old. Throughout his life, Finnigan has largely remained out of the intense glare of the public spotlight, leading a notably private existence away from the celebrity fanfare that often surrounds the children of famous actors. This deliberate choice to maintain his privacy reflects a common desire among celebrity parents to shield their children from the pressures and scrutiny that come with public life, allowing them to grow up as normally as possible. While Finnigan has generally preferred a private life, he did make a memorable public appearance alongside his parents at a momentous occasion for his father: Eric McCormack’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony on September 13, 2018. This event was a proud family moment, where Eric, Janet, and Finnigan all posed together for photographs, offering a rare glimpse into their family dynamic and celebrating Eric’s significant career achievement.

Finnigan’s presence at such a high-profile event underscored the family’s unity and support for Eric’s accomplishments, despite their general preference for privacy. Photos from the ceremony captured a loving family unit, celebrating a milestone that few in the entertainment industry achieve. This brief public appearance remains one of the few instances where Finnigan has been seen extensively by the media, reinforcing the family’s success in cultivating a protected environment for their son.

Given that Finnigan is a legal adult, having reached the age of 21, the typical complexities surrounding child custody arrangements are not a factor in Janet and Eric’s divorce proceedings. When children are minors, divorce often involves extensive legal discussions and agreements regarding living arrangements, visitation schedules, and financial support for their upbringing. However, with Finnigan being an adult, both Janet and Eric are free from these specific custody considerations, simplifying at least one aspect of their divorce. Their focus can now entirely shift to the division of assets, spousal support, and other financial and legal matters pertaining to the dissolution of their long-term marriage.

The separation of Eric McCormack and Janet Holden marks the end of a significant chapter for both individuals. While the reasons for their split are cited as “irreconcilable differences,” a common legal term that often implies a fundamental breakdown in the marital relationship that cannot be repaired, the legacy of their 26 years together, including their shared son Finnigan, remains. As they move forward, both Eric and Janet will embark on new personal journeys, reflecting on a shared history that began on a television set and evolved into a lasting family bond.