Celebrity

Who Is Janet Holden? Inside The Life Of Eric McCormack’s Talented Ex-Wife

Published

3 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Helena Rose

Table of Contents

Introduction: Who Is Janet Holden?

For more than two decades, Janet Holden quietly stood beside one of television’s most beloved actors, Eric McCormack, the star of Will & Grace. While McCormack’s charm and talent captured audiences around the world, those who knew the couple understood that Janet Holden was just as remarkable in her own right. She built a successful behind-the-scenes career in television and film, and for years, she managed to maintain both a private life and a respected position within the entertainment industry.

Recently, however, Janet Holden made headlines of her own when news broke that she had filed for divorce from McCormack after 26 years of marriage. The development sparked renewed curiosity about the woman who spent much of her life out of the spotlight but played a key role in one of Hollywood’s longest-running marriages. This article takes a closer look at Janet Holden’s life, her career in entertainment, her marriage to Eric McCormack, and the path she’s taking now as she begins a new chapter.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Janet Leigh Holden
Nationality: Canadian
Profession: Assistant Director, Production Professional
Known For: Marriage to Will & Grace star Eric McCormack
Marriage Duration: 1997–2024 (26 Years)
Child: Finnigan Holden McCormack
Met Eric McCormack: On Lonesome Dove set in 1994
Divorce Filed: November 22, 2024, Los Angeles County
Education: Studied Media and Film Production in Canada
Notable Traits: Professionalism, Independence, and Discretion

Janet Holden And Eric McCormack’s Divorce: What Happened

In November 2024, court documents revealed that Janet Holden had filed for divorce from Will & Grace actor Eric McCormack after more than 26 years together. The filing, submitted to Los Angeles County Superior Court on November 22, cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation. While no date of separation was listed, the filing made it clear that Holden was seeking spousal support and also requested that the court terminate McCormack’s ability to seek support from her.

The couple, who shared a long and seemingly steady relationship, had not publicly addressed the split at the time of the filing. Their separation surprised fans who had come to see them as one of Hollywood’s more enduring and grounded pairs. Though the divorce marks the end of an era for the two, Holden’s decision also reflects her independence and quiet strength—qualities she’s demonstrated throughout her life.

How Janet Holden And Eric McCormack First Met

Janet Holden and Eric McCormack’s story began in 1994, on the set of the CBS television series Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years. McCormack portrayed Colonel Francis Clay Mosby, while Holden worked as an assistant director on the show. It was a professional environment that didn’t easily allow for personal connections, but their chemistry was undeniable.

In a 2007 essay for The Guardian, McCormack shared that their relationship began as a secret romance. “We had a secret affair the first season,” he wrote, explaining that Holden was hesitant to get involved with an actor because of the potential professional complications. She had a reputation for being disciplined and dedicated, and dating a cast member could have jeopardized that. But McCormack’s persistence eventually won her over, and the connection they formed turned into a lasting partnership that would span more than two decades.

A Look Back: 26 Years Of Marriage

Eric McCormack and Janet Holden married in August 1997, just months before McCormack landed the role that would make him a household name—Will Truman in Will & Grace. The timing of their marriage turned out to be crucial, as McCormack later credited Holden with helping him stay balanced amid the whirlwind of fame that followed.

Throughout their 26 years together, the couple maintained a strong commitment to privacy. They made public appearances occasionally but rarely shared details about their personal life. Together, they raised their son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, born in 2002, and created a family life that stayed largely away from Hollywood’s constant glare. Their marriage, which once seemed like one of Hollywood’s most stable, has now transitioned into a respectful separation, with both parties focused on their own paths.

Who Is Janet Holden? Her Early Life And Background

Before becoming known as Eric McCormack’s wife, Janet Holden had already carved out a promising career in the entertainment industry. Born in Canada, Holden grew up with a love for film and storytelling. Her early years were marked by curiosity about how movies and television shows were made, a fascination that led her to pursue a career behind the camera rather than in front of it.

She studied production and media in Canada, where she gained hands-on experience in directing and production coordination. Her professionalism and skill earned her opportunities on major television sets, where she eventually became a trusted assistant director—a role that requires both creative vision and logistical mastery. Her Canadian roots and strong work ethic helped shape her career and defined her approach to life in Hollywood.

Janet Holden’s Career In Television And Film

Janet Holden built a solid reputation as a capable and respected assistant director and production professional. Working behind the scenes, she contributed to several projects in both Canadian and American television during the 1990s. Her role demanded long hours, precision, and leadership—a combination she handled effortlessly.

Assistant directors play a crucial role in coordinating schedules, managing crews, and ensuring that filming runs smoothly, and Holden excelled at these responsibilities. Her work on Lonesome Dove not only introduced her to McCormack but also showcased her ability to manage complex productions with professionalism and focus. Though she eventually stepped back from full-time production work to focus on her family, Holden’s reputation as a skilled industry professional remains one of the defining aspects of her career.

Inside Their Relationship: What Eric McCormack Said About Janet

Eric McCormack has often spoken with affection and gratitude when describing his relationship with Janet Holden. In interviews, he credited her with keeping him grounded, especially during his rise to stardom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “I think I conducted myself as a much better human being because I was already married when all that came along,” McCormack once said, referring to the early days of Will & Grace.

In The Guardian essay, McCormack described Holden as strong, independent, and refreshingly down-to-earth. He admired that she wore jeans, drove a pickup truck, and preferred authenticity over glamour. Her resistance to Hollywood’s excess and her ability to maintain normalcy helped the actor navigate fame with humility. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and understanding, qualities that McCormack often said made their marriage so lasting.

Family Life And Parenthood

Family played a central role in Janet Holden and Eric McCormack’s life together. The couple welcomed their son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, in 2002, and much of their focus shifted to parenthood. Finnigan grew up away from the public eye, as both parents agreed to protect his privacy.

Holden was known to be deeply involved in her son’s upbringing, preferring a stable and grounded home environment. While McCormack continued his acting career, Holden ensured that their family life remained steady and private. The balance between her husband’s public persona and their personal world reflected her ability to manage the demands of Hollywood life without sacrificing her family’s peace.

Life After Divorce: What’s Next For Janet Holden

As Janet Holden steps into a new chapter following her divorce, she appears focused on independence and personal fulfillment. While she has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, her years in television and production may inspire her to reconnect with creative projects or pursue new endeavors.

Given her background, Holden possesses the skills and discipline to thrive in any role she chooses—whether in film production, mentorship, or something entirely different. Her quiet confidence and history of success suggest that she will continue to approach life with grace and resilience. The divorce, while deeply personal, marks not just an ending but a beginning for a woman who has always defined herself on her own terms.

Legacy And Impact: Janet Holden’s Quiet Strength

Janet Holden’s story is one of quiet strength and remarkable accomplishment. Though she often remained behind the scenes, her influence on both her husband’s success and her own professional circles is undeniable. She has shown that it’s possible to live a fulfilling, creative life without seeking fame or public validation.

Her role as an assistant director, partner, and mother demonstrates her versatility and depth. Many who have worked with her describe her as thoughtful, reliable, and deeply professional—qualities that have earned her lasting respect in the industry. Janet Holden’s legacy is not defined by her marriage to Eric McCormack but by the steady strength and integrity she brought to every chapter of her life.

Conclusion: A New Chapter For Janet Holden

Janet Holden’s journey is a reminder that behind every successful story, there are people whose contributions may go unnoticed but are just as meaningful. As Eric McCormack’s ex-wife, she has been part of one of television’s most beloved eras, yet her identity extends far beyond that role. She’s an accomplished professional, a devoted mother, and a woman of remarkable poise.

As she moves forward from her long marriage, Janet Holden’s story continues to resonate for its balance of love, professionalism, and personal strength. Her quiet presence and dignified approach to life make her a respected figure both inside and outside the entertainment industry.

FAQs About Janet Holden

Who Is Janet Holden?
Janet Holden is a Canadian assistant director and production professional best known as the former wife of actor Eric McCormack.

When Did Janet Holden And Eric McCormack Get Married?
They married in August 1997 after meeting three years earlier on the set of Lonesome Dove.

When Did Janet Holden File For Divorce?
She filed for divorce on November 22, 2024, in Los Angeles County, citing irreconcilable differences.

Do Janet Holden And Eric McCormack Have Children?
Yes, they share one son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, who was born in 2002.

What Is Janet Holden’s Career Background?
She has worked in the entertainment industry as an assistant director and production manager, contributing to several film and TV projects.

Where Is Janet Holden From?
She was born and raised in Canada and began her career in the Canadian television industry before moving to Hollywood.

What Is Janet Holden Doing Now?
While she has maintained a low profile since filing for divorce, Janet Holden is expected to continue focusing on her personal growth and possibly future creative pursuits.