Washington [USA], Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit series 'Grey's Anatomy', recently spoke out about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the show after six seasons.
The 51-year-old actor shared his insights during an episode of Dax Shepard's 'Armchair Expert' podcast, shedding light on his departure from the long-running ABC medical drama, according to Page Six.
Dane candidly admitted, "I didn't leave as much as I think they let me leave." He acknowledged that while he was struggling with personal challenges, including drug and alcohol addiction, these issues were not the only reason for his departure.
"They didn't let me go because of that, although it definitely didn't help," he clarified.
The actor expressed his belief that economic considerations played a role in the decision. "It was starting to get very expensive for the network," Dane explained.
"Like most actors who have spent a lot of time on the show, you start to get very expensive." He added that the network probably made the decision based on profitability rather than his performance or personal struggles.
Reflecting on the change in circumstances, Dane noted, "I wasn't the same guy they had hired." Despite feeling abandoned, he expressed his gratitude to Shonda Rhimes, the creator of 'Grey's Anatomy,' for her support during his time on the show.
"She protected us fiercely. I love Shonda Rhimes and she protected me," he praised.
Dane recalled that his problems with substance abuse had resurfaced during the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike, despite having been sober for several years before joining 'Grey's Anatomy.'
"If you take the entire eight years I was on 'Grey's Anatomy,' I was in trouble longer than I was sober," he shared, highlighting the challenges he faced during his tenure on the show, Page Six reported.
Dane's character Dr. Mark Sloan met his end after a plane crash featured in the Season 8 finale.
Although he initially survived the accident, the character eventually succumbed to his injuries at the beginning of season 9.
Dane returned as a special guest in season 17 alongside Chyler Leigh, his on-screen love interest Lexie Grey, who also tragically died in the accident.
The 51-year-old actor shared his insights during an episode of Dax Shepard's 'Armchair Expert' podcast, shedding light on his departure from the long-running ABC medical drama, according to Page Six.
Dane candidly admitted, "I didn't leave as much as I think they let me leave." He acknowledged that while he was struggling with personal challenges, including drug and alcohol addiction, these issues were not the only reason for his departure.
"They didn't let me go because of that, although it definitely didn't help," he clarified.
The actor expressed his belief that economic considerations played a role in the decision. "It was starting to get very expensive for the network," Dane explained.
"Like most actors who have spent a lot of time on the show, you start to get very expensive." He added that the network probably made the decision based on profitability rather than his performance or personal struggles.
Reflecting on the change in circumstances, Dane noted, "I wasn't the same guy they had hired." Despite feeling abandoned, he expressed his gratitude to Shonda Rhimes, the creator of 'Grey's Anatomy,' for her support during his time on the show.
"She protected us fiercely. I love Shonda Rhimes and she protected me," he praised.
Dane recalled that his problems with substance abuse had resurfaced during the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike, despite having been sober for several years before joining 'Grey's Anatomy.'
"If you take the entire eight years I was on 'Grey's Anatomy,' I was in trouble longer than I was sober," he shared, highlighting the challenges he faced during his tenure on the show, Page Six reported.
Dane's character Dr. Mark Sloan met his end after a plane crash featured in the Season 8 finale.
Although he initially survived the accident, the character eventually succumbed to his injuries at the beginning of season 9.
Dane returned as a special guest in season 17 alongside Chyler Leigh, his on-screen love interest Lexie Grey, who also tragically died in the accident.
