The Director's Cut: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Janet Leigh Holden After Her High-Profile Divorce

Janet Leigh Holden, a respected figure behind the camera in Hollywood and a Canadian native, has recently been thrust back into the public spotlight not for her professional achievements but for the conclusion of her long-term, high-profile marriage. As of the current date in December 2025, the most significant news surrounding her is the finalization of her divorce from actor Eric McCormack, the beloved star of the iconic sitcom Will & Grace.

This separation marks the end of a relationship that spanned over 26 years, a rarity in the often-volatile entertainment industry, and has naturally sparked renewed interest in the woman who shared the actor’s life for over two decades. Janet Leigh Holden is a professional in her own right, with a solid background in television production, primarily working as a Second-Unit Director and Assistant Director on various projects. Her story is a compelling blend of a successful behind-the-scenes career, a major Hollywood marriage, and a quiet life focused on family in Los Angeles.

Janet Leigh Holden: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Janet Leigh Holden has maintained a relatively private life despite her long marriage to a major television star. Her professional focus on the technical and directorial aspects of filmmaking has kept her out of the typical celebrity gossip cycle, allowing her to build a career on her own terms. The following is a comprehensive look at her personal and professional details:

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• Full Name: Janet Leigh Holden (sometimes cited as Janet Leigh Holden McCormack).
• Date of Birth: Information is kept private, but she is believed to be in her 50s.
• Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
• Nationality: Canadian.
• Profession: Second-Unit Director, Assistant Director, and Camera/Electrical Department professional.
• Spouse: Eric McCormack (Married August 1997; Divorced/Finalized 2024/2025).
• Child: Finnigan Holden McCormack (Son, born 2002).
• Education: Details are private.
• Known For: Her work in TV production and her 26-year marriage to actor Eric McCormack.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $500,000, primarily from her work as a second-unit director.

The Unexpected Origin Story: How a Canadian Director Met a Future Sitcom Star

The story of how Janet Leigh Holden and Eric McCormack met is a classic Hollywood tale of an on-set romance, though perhaps less glamorous than some. Their initial encounter occurred in 1994 on the set of the CBS series Lonesome Dove: The Series. McCormack was starring as Colonel Clay Mosby in the Western drama, while Holden was working behind the scenes in a production capacity, likely within the camera or assistant director departments, which she has credits in.

This meeting was pivotal for both their personal lives. McCormack, a Canadian actor, was establishing his career in the United States, and Holden, also a Canadian, was navigating the technical side of television production. The two quickly connected, and their relationship blossomed away from the direct glare of the public eye. They dated for three years before tying the knot in a private ceremony in August 1997. This was just a year before McCormack landed his career-defining role as Will Truman on Will & Grace, a part that would catapult him to global fame and solidify their status as a major Hollywood couple.

Their marriage, which lasted over a quarter of a century, was often praised for its longevity and stability, particularly given the pressures of McCormack’s fame. They welcomed their only child, a son named Finnigan Holden McCormack, in 2002. Finnigan, who is now an adult and reportedly attending Northeastern University, was the focus of their shared family life, with both parents prioritizing his privacy and upbringing.

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Behind the Scenes: Janet Holden's Career as a Second-Unit Director

While most of the public knows Janet Leigh Holden primarily through her former husband, her professional life is rooted in the demanding and highly skilled world of film and television production. She is credited as a Second-Unit Director, a role that is absolutely crucial to the successful execution of large-scale productions.

A Second-Unit Director is responsible for directing scenes that do not involve the main cast or complex dialogue, such as establishing shots, inserts, stunts, action sequences, and large crowd scenes. This position requires a high degree of technical expertise, organizational skill, and creative vision, essentially allowing the main director to focus entirely on the principal photography and the core dramatic scenes. Holden's work in this capacity, along with her experience in the Camera and Electrical Department, showcases her deep understanding of the technical mechanics of filmmaking.

Her work on the set of Lonesome Dove was just one of many projects where she applied her trade. Although specific, full credit lists are often difficult to find for behind-the-scenes roles, the fact that she has multiple credits in the directorial and technical departments speaks to a consistent and respected career path. Her professional life is a testament to the fact that Hollywood success is built not just on the stars in front of the camera but on the skilled professionals, like Janet Leigh Holden, who work tirelessly behind it. Her dedication to her craft is a significant part of her identity, separate from her celebrity marriage.

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The Final Chapter: Navigating the High-Profile Divorce and Future Outlook

The news of Janet Leigh Holden’s divorce filing in late 2023 came as a surprise to many, marking the end of one of the longest marriages in contemporary Hollywood. After more than 26 years together, the separation process was finalized, bringing a close to her chapter as Mrs. Eric McCormack.

Divorces, especially after such a long duration and involving substantial assets—Eric McCormack’s net worth is estimated at $20 million—are complex legal and personal matters. While the specific details of the divorce settlement remain private, the finalization suggests that both parties have successfully navigated the necessary legal steps to dissolve their union and focus on their respective futures. The couple’s primary focus throughout the process appears to have been the well-being of their adult son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, ensuring a smooth transition for the family.

For Janet Leigh Holden, the divorce opens a new phase in her life. She is now free to pursue her career as a director and production professional with renewed focus. Her Canadian roots and professional network, combined with her experience in the Los Angeles production scene, offer a strong foundation for her next ventures. Fans and industry observers will be watching to see which projects she dedicates her considerable behind-the-scenes talents to next, as she steps into this new, independent chapter of her life.