The Private Life And Professional Career Of Janet Leigh Holden: What She’s Doing After The Eric McCormack Divorce

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Janet Leigh Holden, a respected professional in the demanding world of film and television production, has recently been thrust back into the public spotlight following the finalization of her high-profile divorce from Emmy Award-winning actor Eric McCormack. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the news of the end of her 26-year marriage to the *Will & Grace* star has dominated headlines, shifting focus from her successful, behind-the-scenes career to her private life. This transition marks a significant new chapter for the Canadian-born assistant director, prompting a deeper look into her professional achievements and the life she built away from the glare of Hollywood celebrity.

A true industry insider, Janet Leigh Holden has spent decades working diligently in various crew roles, distinguishing herself as a skilled Assistant Director and Second-Unit Director. While her former spouse, Eric McCormack, became a household name playing Will Truman, Holden’s career was rooted in the technical and logistical complexities of film production. Her story is a compelling narrative of a Canadian creative force whose professional path, though often unseen by the audience, was integral to the success of several major television and film projects before her recent separation made her a subject of public fascination.

Complete Biographical Profile: Janet Leigh Holden

Janet Leigh Holden maintains a private profile, but key details of her life and career provide a clear picture of her professional background and family life.

  • Full Name: Janet Leigh Holden
  • Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Primary Profession: Assistant Director, Second-Unit Director, Film Industry Professional
  • Former Spouse: Eric McCormack (Actor, *Will & Grace*, *Lonesome Dove: The Series*)
  • Date of Marriage: August 1997
  • Date of Divorce Filing: November 2023 (citing "irreconcilable differences")
  • Date of Divorce Finalization: Finalized recently (implied 2025)
  • Child: Finnigan Holden McCormack (Son, born July 1, 2002)
  • Education: Unknown (Maintains a high degree of privacy)
  • Known Career Credits: *Lonesome Dove: The Series*, *Mr. Magoo* (1997)
  • Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $500,000 (attributed to her work as a second-unit director)

The Assistant Director Career That Defined Her Early Life

Janet Leigh Holden's career is a testament to the essential, often unsung, roles that drive the filmmaking process. She is credited primarily as an Assistant Director (AD), a role that requires immense organizational skill, leadership, and a deep understanding of the technical aspects of a production. The AD is responsible for scheduling, managing the set, coordinating the cast and crew, and ensuring the director’s vision is executed efficiently. This position is a high-pressure, high-stakes job, demanding a sharp mind and an ability to troubleshoot complex logistical issues.

Holden’s professional path led her to the set of the CBS Western drama Lonesome Dove: The Series in 1994. It was here, in the midst of a demanding production schedule, that she first encountered Eric McCormack, who was a series regular playing the character Col. Francis Clay Mosby. Their relationship began quietly on the set, with the couple later revealing that they managed to keep their romance a secret from their colleagues for some time. This set is the single most important entity in her public history, marking both the beginning of her long marriage and a high point in her professional trajectory.

Before stepping away from the film industry to focus on her family following her marriage, Holden accumulated several credits, with the 1997 live-action film Mr. Magoo often cited as her last known project. Her work spanned various departments, including the Camera and Electrical Department and the Second Unit Director role, showcasing a versatility that is highly valued in the industry. The second unit is responsible for filming shots that do not involve the main actors, such as establishing shots, stunts, and action sequences, further underscoring her technical expertise.

The High-Profile Divorce and New Beginnings in 2025

The biggest news surrounding Janet Leigh Holden in the current climate is the dissolution of her long-term marriage. After 26 years together, Holden filed for divorce from Eric McCormack in November 2023, citing the standard legal reason of irreconcilable differences. The news was a surprise to many, as the couple had often presented a united front at Hollywood events, including the 2024 Oscars Party, even after the filing became public.

The divorce proceedings, which were finalized recently, mark a definitive end to one of the longer celebrity marriages in Hollywood. For Holden, this transition represents a significant shift in her personal life. While details of the settlement remain private, her estimated net worth of approximately $500,000, largely earned through her work as a second-unit director, has been a topic of discussion in the media, highlighting the financial realities of a behind-the-scenes professional compared to a high-earning actor.

The couple's son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, born in 2002, is now a young adult, providing an opportunity for both parents to navigate their new lives with a focus on their individual careers and paths. Finnigan is currently a student at Northeastern University in Boston, a detail that grounds the family's life in the reality of raising a child outside of the Hollywood bubble.

Life Beyond the Marriage: Janet Leigh Holden's Future

As Janet Leigh Holden steps into her new identity post-divorce, the focus naturally shifts to what is next for the seasoned film professional. Given her extensive experience as an Assistant Director and her roots in the Canadian film industry, she possesses a valuable skill set that is always in demand. Her background is a strong foundation for a return to full-time production work, perhaps taking on more directorial or producing roles that leverage her comprehensive understanding of a film set.

The term topical authority in her industry is built on reliability and efficiency, qualities that are paramount for an AD. Holden's work on major productions like *Lonesome Dove* and *Mr. Magoo* demonstrates her ability to handle large-scale, complex projects. Whether she chooses to return to the bustle of the set or pursue a quieter life remains to be seen. However, her professional history suggests a woman with a strong, independent career, capable of charting her own course. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every famous face, there are dedicated, highly skilled professionals like Janet Leigh Holden, whose contributions are essential to the magic of film and television. Her next professional move will be closely watched by those who recognize the true value of a seasoned film industry professional.

janet leigh holden
janet leigh holden

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