The news of one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages coming to an end sent ripples through the entertainment world, and as of late 2023 and early 2024, the process has been finalized. Janet Leigh Holden, a successful production professional in her own right, is now officially divorced from her husband of over 26 years, *Will & Grace* star Eric McCormack. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the life, career, and recent high-profile separation of Janet Leigh Holden, an accomplished Canadian woman who has largely preferred to stay out of the spotlight despite her long-term connection to a major television star.
Janet Leigh Holden is much more than just the former wife of a celebrity; she is a respected figure in the film and television industry, known for her work behind the camera. Her professional journey as an assistant director and producer is a testament to her dedication and skill, a career path that ironically led her to meet the man who would become her husband on a television set in the mid-1990s.
Janet Leigh Holden: Complete Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Janet Leigh Holden
- Profession: Assistant Director, Television Producer, Production Professional, Second-Unit Director
- Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Known For: Her extensive behind-the-scenes work in the film and television industry, and her long marriage to actor Eric McCormack.
- Education: Information on her specific collegiate background is limited, but her professional trajectory suggests a strong foundation in film production.
- Marital Status: Divorced (from Eric McCormack)
- Spouse (Former): Eric McCormack (Married: August 1997; Divorced: 2024)
- Children: One son, Finnigan Holden McCormack (born 2002)
- Current Residence: Reportedly maintains a residence in California, U.S.
- Net Worth: Estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, primarily from her successful career in production.
The End of a Hollywood Partnership: Divorce Finalized in 2024
The biggest and most current news surrounding Janet Leigh Holden is the finalization of her divorce from Eric McCormack. The couple's relationship spanned nearly three decades, a remarkable feat by Hollywood standards. The news of the separation first broke in late 2023 when Janet filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences" after 26 years of marriage.
The couple married in August 1997, a time when Eric McCormack's career was on the cusp of exploding with the premiere of the iconic sitcom *Will & Grace*. Their union was often viewed as a stable, private anchor in the often-turbulent world of celebrity. They share one son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, who was born in 2002.
The filing and subsequent finalization of the divorce in 2024 brought an official end to their partnership. While the details of the settlement remain private, the public attention surrounding the split underscores the significant role Janet played in the life of the *Will & Grace* star. For many years, she was the steady force behind a major television personality, a role that often goes unappreciated in the glare of the spotlight.
The split was handled with relative privacy, a characteristic that defined their entire relationship. This discretion highlights Janet’s preference for a life away from the intense media scrutiny that often follows high-profile Hollywood relationships. The focus now shifts to how both parties navigate their new chapters, with Janet continuing her work in the production field.
Behind the Camera: Janet Leigh Holden's Professional Career
Janet Leigh Holden's professional identity is rooted in the demanding world of television and film production. Her career began long before her marriage to Eric McCormack, establishing her as a skilled and dedicated professional. She is primarily known for her work as an Assistant Director and a Production Professional.
The Set Where It All Began: *Lonesome Dove: The Series*
The story of Janet and Eric's relationship is a classic Hollywood 'meet-cute'—but one that happened behind the scenes. They first met in 1994 on the set of the Western television series *Lonesome Dove: The Series*. At the time, Eric was acting on the show, and Janet was working as an Assistant Director. This role is crucial on any set, requiring meticulous organization, strong leadership, and the ability to manage the logistics of filming, including cast and crew schedules, safety, and the overall flow of production.
Their romance started discreetly, as relationships between actors and crew members were often discouraged. The fact that they maintained their relationship in secret initially, and then went on to build a life together, speaks to the genuine connection they shared. Janet’s work on *Lonesome Dove* was a significant stepping stone in her career, showcasing her proficiency in the complex environment of a major television production.
A Career Defined by Dedication and Technical Skill
Janet’s career continued to flourish, encompassing various roles within the production hierarchy. She has been credited as a Second-Unit Director, a position that involves directing action sequences, establishing shots, and other scenes that do not involve the main cast or are filmed simultaneously with the main unit. This role requires a high degree of technical expertise and a strong directorial vision, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable talent in the industry.
Her work as a Television Producer and Production Professional involves managing the business and logistical aspects of a project, from budgeting to scheduling and overseeing the entire production process. This deep involvement in the operational side of filmmaking contrasts sharply with the on-screen fame of her former husband, highlighting her preference for a powerful, yet non-celebrity, role in the entertainment industry.
The Privacy Factor: A Life Lived Away from the Spotlight
Despite being married to a celebrity of Eric McCormack's caliber, Janet Leigh Holden successfully maintained a relatively private life. This commitment to privacy is a defining characteristic of her public persona.
Her Canadian roots, specifically her upbringing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, likely contributed to her grounded approach. She was born into a middle-class family, and her professional career was built on hard work and merit, not celebrity connections.
Throughout Eric McCormack’s peak fame during the original run and revival of *Will & Grace*, Janet was rarely seen giving interviews or actively seeking media attention. Her focus remained on her family and her work. This deliberate choice to avoid the Hollywood spotlight allowed her to cultivate a stable environment for her son, Finnigan, and to continue her professional pursuits without the constant intrusion of the paparazzi and tabloid media.
Her occasional appearances on Eric’s Instagram account or at red carpet events were exceptions, not the rule. She often shared family pictures on her personal social media, but always with a focus on their life together, not on celebrity glamour.
As she moves forward post-divorce, Janet Leigh Holden remains a figure of quiet influence in the Canadian and American film industries. Her story is a compelling example of a successful professional who carved out a powerful career path behind the camera, proving that not all significant Hollywood figures need to be in front of it.
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