Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” recently discussed his exit from the show on Dax Shepard’s podcast. He revealed that he believes he was let go from the series due to financial reasons. According to Dane, as actors spend more time on a show, they become more expensive for the network. Despite his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction during his time on the show, Dane emphasized that his departure was mainly motivated by financial considerations.
Although he felt like he was no longer the same person the producers had initially hired, Dane spoke highly of the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, for her unwavering support throughout the ordeal. He expressed gratitude for her protection both publicly and privately, even though he ultimately acknowledged that he was likely fired from the series. Despite the lack of a formal termination, Dane recounted that he was informed he would not be returning to the show, signaling the end of his time as Dr. Mark Sloan.
Dane shared that he had been sober for a significant period before relapsing during the 2007 Writers Guild of America Strike. Reflecting on his tenure on “Grey’s Anatomy,” he admitted that his addiction issues persisted for a longer duration than his period of sobriety. This realization marked a turning point for him, as he recognized that his personal struggles were impacting his work on the show. Ultimately, the actor’s character met a tragic end following a plane crash featured in the Season 8 finale, culminating in his departure from the series.
Despite the circumstances surrounding his initial departure, Eric Dane did return for a guest appearance in Season 17 of “Grey’s Anatomy.” This reunion allowed him to share the screen once again with Chyler Leigh, who portrayed his onscreen love interest, Lexie Grey. Their characters had both tragically perished in the plane crash storyline, providing a sense of closure for the actors and their characters alike. Dane’s return offered fans a glimpse of the past, revisiting the emotional connections and storylines that had captivated audiences during his time on the show.
Eric Dane’s departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” was a complex and multifaceted experience. While financial considerations played a key role in his exit, his struggles with substance abuse and personal growth also shaped his time on the series. Through it all, Dane’s reflections offer a candid and introspective look at the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned during his tenure on one of television’s most beloved medical dramas.