‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Eric Dane shares his two kids with actress Rebecca Gayheart
Actor Eric Dane is head-over-heels for his two children, Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Geraldine Dane.
The Grey’s Anatomy star became a dad for the first time when he welcomed older daughter Billie in March 2010 with his now-estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart. They completed their family in December 2011 with the birth of Georgia.
“I never had a family, and now I do,” Eric told PEOPLE of his girls. “I know I’m a very lucky guy.”
Unfortunately, that family hit some bumps in the road: In 2018, Gayheart filed for divorce from her longtime partner, citing irreconcilable differences.
“After 14 years together we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family,” Eric said in a statement to PEOPLE. “We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us.”
At the time, Gayheart requested joint legal and physical custody of their kids.
Although they haven’t finished the legal divorce process, the actors have been separated since 2018 — and they’ve become adept at co-parenting.
“There’s a new normal for me and my family … it’s taken us a little bit to get that down,” Gayheart told PEOPLE in 2019. “We are friends and we are doing our best to co-parent and maintain a family.”
As proof of the success of their partnership, the duo took a trip to Europe together in 2022. “This is us , family vacay 2022 🇫🇷🥳❣️,” Gayheart captioned a series of photos of her ex and their kids.
Here’s everything to know about Eric Dane’s children, Billie and Georgia.
Billie Beatrice Dane, 14
Eric and Gayheart welcomed their first child together, daughter Billie Beatrice Dane, on March 3, 2010.
Ahead of her birth, the couple revealed they were starting a family in September 2009. The Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood actress showed off her baby bump during a stroll, and a source told PEOPLE they were “definitely happy” to be pregnant because they’d “been trying for so long.”
Eric shared his plans for the delivery room in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in February 2010, a month before their child arrived. “I’ll be in the room,” he said. “I’m going to stay close to my wife and make sure that she is all right. I’m really excited. I’m also very interested.”
He teased that the name they chose for their daughter would be “straight down the middle” between weird and traditional.
Shortly after Billie was born, her name was announced, and years later, Eric shared how they chose the moniker on Harry Connick Jr.’s talk show in 2016. “[Billie’s] named after my father. … Whether it was a boy or a girl, the firstborn was gonna be a Billie,” he said.
From the beginning, Billie was a total ham. “She knows how to steal the spotlight,” the actress told PEOPLE in 2012, adding that it’s something she gets “from her dad.”
“She is a spitfire,” Gayheart added about the then-2½ year old. “We call her my spirited, challenging child ’cause she’s just full of fire … Everyone thinks she’s 4 … having full-on conversations and taking over her preschool.”
That passion for the limelight only continued to grow: Billie is now a model and dancer.
“Congratulations Billie on a BEAUTIFUL dance showcase today #proudmom,” Gayheart captioned a post on her Instagram Stories of her daughter holding flowers in December 2021.
Also, in front of the camera, Billie makes occasional appearances on the red carpet with both of her parents. In 2022, she attended the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Brentwood, Calif., where Billie accompanied her mom. Two years later, Billie attended the Bad Boys: Ride or Die premiere in support of her father, who was part of the cast.
When it comes to supporting her dad, Billie and her sister have watched “every episode” of Grey’s Anatomy, in which the actor starred from season 3 to 9. “They’ve watched everything,” he said on Live with Kelly and Mark in 2024, adding that they’ll “never” stream Euphoria.
Most recently, to honor Billie’s 14th birthday, Gayheart shared what she admires most about their daughter on Instagram, alongside various family photos.
“Darling you are wise beyond your years, your heart is huge , you are so much FUN ! Your sense of humor is unmatched,” the actress wrote. “You’re a gifted ballerina 🩰my love . You’re a loyal friend which is rare at 14 , you’re an impressive chef , a fantastic sister , an excellent student and good at everything you do .”
Georgia Geraldine, 12
Eric and Gayheart celebrated the arrival of their second child, Georgia Geraldine Dane, on Dec. 28, 2011.
“Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane welcomed Georgia Geraldine Dane on Dec. 28, just in time for the New Year!” the actress’ rep told PEOPLE. “Both mom and baby girl are happy and healthy, Billie is thrilled to be a big sister, and dad is getting ready to live in a house full of ladies!”
Nearly a year later, Gayheart couldn’t help but gush over her “little Buddha baby,” telling PEOPLE, “She’s sweet and happy all the time. She truly is just the sweetest baby on the planet.”
The Vanished star added, “She sleeps well. She eats well. She’s a gift.”
Speaking to PEOPLE before Georgia’s birth, she shared that the pregnancy was less stressful than the first because Billie kept her occupied.
