In a recent interview on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepherd, actor Eric Dane shared insights into his departure from the hit medical drama series Grey's Anatomy. The 51-year-old star, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan (aka McSteamy), revealed that there were multiple factors contributing to his exit after six seasons.

Dane candidly admitted that he believes he was let go from the show rather than voluntarily leaving. When questioned about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction during his time on Grey's Anatomy, he acknowledged that his personal struggles played a part in his departure. Although the production team did not dismiss him specifically because of his addiction issues, Dane acknowledged that it "definitely didn't help" his situation.

As he reflected on his time on the show, Dane confessed that rising costs became a significant factor in his departure. He noted that after spending significant time in a successful series like Grey's Anatomy, actors tend to become more expensive for the network. Dane expressed his belief that the network recognized the show's ongoing popularity and felt confident that it would continue to thrive, with or without his character.

In storyline terms, Dane's character, Dr. Mark Sloan, met a tragic fate after being involved in a plane crash that claimed the life of his on-screen love, Dr. Lexie Grey (portrayed by Chyler Leigh). This plot twist effectively marked the end of Dane's tenure on the show.

Notably, Dane revealed that he had been sober for several years when he joined Grey's Anatomy but experienced a relapse during the Writers Guild of America Strike in 2007. He acknowledged that he was not the same person the show had initially hired, and he understood why he was let go. Dane expressed gratitude for show creator Shonda Rhimes' support and protectiveness throughout his time on the show.

The sudden fame resulting from Grey's Anatomy's success may have also contributed to Dane's struggles. He admitted feeling overwhelmed by the attention and fame, leading him to pretend that he was comfortable with the situation. However, in reality, he found the experience disorienting and struggled to adapt to this newfound level of stardom.

Reflecting on his journey, Dane stated, "If you take the whole eight years I was on Grey's Anatomy, I was f**ked up longer than I was sober, and that was when things started going sideways for me." It is clear that these challenges had a profound impact on his life and career at that time.

Despite his departure from Grey's Anatomy, Eric Dane remains optimistic about his current hit show, Euphoria, and hopes for another season. With his honest and open discussion about his past struggles, the actor continues to inspire others by shedding light on the personal battles he faced during his time on Grey's Anatomy.