Eric Dane Thinks He ‘Was Probably Fired’ from Grey’s Anatomy, But ‘Understood’

For six seasons, Eric Dane was the heartthrob known colloquially as “Dr. McSteamy” on the hit ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” Despite his immense popularity, Dane recently disclosed he suspects that he “was probably fired” from the show.

In a candid conversation with Dax Shepard on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, the “Euphoria” star spoke openly about his departure from the series. Dane revealed that his sobriety, which he initially maintained for four years before joining the “Grey’s Anatomy” cast, later faltered.

Dane’s struggle with addiction became public when he voluntarily checked into rehab in 2011 for an addiction to painkillers, which had been prescribed after a sports injury. He announced his exit from “Grey’s Anatomy” the following year, in 2012.

The actor acknowledged that his battle with addiction didn’t help his situation but believes it wasn’t the sole reason for his departure. “I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on a show, you start to become very expensive for the network,” he said.

Dane explained that networks often don’t prioritize retaining specific actors as long as the central character, in this case, Meredith Grey, remains. “As long as they have their Grey, they’re fine,” he said. He also noted that he had changed since he was first hired, making his departure understandable.

Dane praised Shonda Rhimes, the creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” for fiercely protecting her cast both publicly and privately. But he suspects his exit was unceremonious, saying, “It wasn’t ceremoniously like, ‘You’re fired,’ it was just like, ‘You’re not coming back.’”

His character, Mark Sloan, met his end in dramatic fashion. A shocking plane crash left fans breathless at the end of Season 8, and Sloan succumbed to his injuries in the Season 9 premiere alongside Chyler Leigh’s Lexie Grey. Dane returned briefly in Season 17 through Covid-inspired hallucination sequences, along with other deceased characters.

“Grey’s Anatomy” has seen many cast changes over its long run but remains resilient. Even Ellen Pompeo, who plays the titular character Meredith Grey, has notably reduced her role on the show while continuing to provide its signature voiceovers.

As of now, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, Jr. are the only full-time cast members who have remained since Season 1. They are joined by Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver, Camilla Luddington, Caterina Scorsone, Chris Carmack, Anthony Hill, and Jason George from the spin-off “Station 19.” New interns Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Niko Terho, and Midori Francis are making recurring appearances in Season 21.

Source: Getty