Eric Dane has opened up about his departure from “Grey’s Anatomy,” shedding light on the unexpected reasons behind his exit from the popular medical drama. The actor, who played the beloved character Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy,” from 2006 to 2012, shared his story on Dax Shepherd’s “Armchair Expert” podcast.
Dane, now 51, revealed that his departure was not entirely his decision. “I didn’t leave so much as I think I was let go,” he admitted. This revelation came as a surprise to many fans who had speculated about the reasons behind his exit. When asked about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction during his time on the show, Dane was candid. “I was struggling. They didn’t let me go because of that, although it definitely didn’t help,” he said.
The actor, who had been sober for several years when he was hired on “Grey’s Anatomy,” confessed that he relapsed during the Writers Guild of America Strike in 2007. “I wasn’t the same guy they had hired, so I had understood when I was let go,” he explained. Despite his struggles, Dane expressed gratitude towards the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes. “Shonda Rhimes was really great. She protected us fiercely. She protected us publicly, she protected us privately,” he said. “I love Shonda Rhimes and she protected me but I was probably fired. It wasn’t ceremoniously like, ‘You’re fired,’ it was just like, ‘You’re not coming back.'”
Dane also touched on the financial aspects that may have contributed to his departure. “I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on the show, you start to become very expensive for the network,” he said. “And the network knows that the show is going to do what it’s going to do irrespective of who they keep on it—as long as they have their Grey they were fine.”
The character of Mark Sloan met a tragic end on the show. He passed away after being injured in a plane crash that also claimed the life of his on-screen love, Dr. Lexie Grey, played by Chyler Leigh. Reflecting on his time on the show, Dane acknowledged the impact of sudden fame on his life. “It was overwhelming, and I think I just wanted to pretend that it wasn’t and that I was comfortable with it. Act like you’ve been there, but you haven’t been there,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Dane’s departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” did not mark the end of his career. He went on to star in TNT’s “The Last Ship” and is currently featured in “Euphoria,” a show that has garnered critical acclaim and a strong fan base. Dane remains optimistic about the future of “Euphoria,” expressing hope that the Emmy-winning show will return for another season.
Dane’s journey on “Grey’s Anatomy” was marked by highs and lows, both professionally and personally. His candidness about his struggles and the reasons behind his departure offer a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by actors in long-running television series. His story is a reminder of the human side of Hollywood, where personal battles often intersect with professional demands.
Dane’s return to “Grey’s Anatomy” for a cameo in season 17, along with other former cast members like Patrick Dempsey, was a nostalgic moment for fans. These appearances were part of a storyline where Ellen Pompeo’s character, Meredith Grey, was in a Covid coma, allowing for the return of characters who had passed away. This reunion was a testament to the enduring legacy of the show and the lasting impact of its characters.
As “Grey’s Anatomy” continues to evolve, with ABC renewing the show for a 21st season, the contributions of actors like Eric Dane remain a significant part of its history. The only full-time original characters still on the show are Chandra Wilson’s Dr. Miranda Bailey and James Pickens Jr.’s Dr. Richard Webber, with Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey now a recurring character rather than a regular.
Eric Dane’s departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” was a turning point in his career, but it also highlighted the challenges and pressures faced by actors in the entertainment industry. His openness about his struggles and the reasons behind his exit provide valuable insights into the realities of life behind the scenes of a hit TV show. As he continues to thrive in his career, fans can look back on his time as Dr. Mark Sloan with fondness and appreciation for the memorable moments he brought to “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Source: Armchair Expert podcast, Entertainment Weekly
