Eric Dane, better known as the seductive Dr. Mark Sloan, alias McSteamy, from the hit ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, recently opened up about his departure from the show after portraying the fan-favorite character for six seasons. From the end of season two to the beginning of season nine, Dane captivated audiences with his portrayal of the handsome and complex doctor.
Initially introduced as a guest star, Dane's character quickly rose to prominence and became a series regular in season three, thanks to his captivating performance. However, after a fateful plane crash at the end of season eight, Sloan's fate was sealed, and he succumbed to his injuries at the start of season nine, leaving fans heartbroken.
In a candid interview on Dax Shepard's Armchair Podcast, Dane revealed that his departure from Grey's Anatomy wasn't exactly a voluntary choice. "I think I was let go," he confessed, explaining that he was struggling with addiction during that period. "They didn't let me go because of that, but it certainly didn't help my case." He went on to explain that as an actor who had spent significant time on the show, his salary had become quite substantial, and the network realized that the show would continue to thrive regardless of who remained on the cast. "I wasn't the same guy they had hired," he said, acknowledging that he understood the decision.
During the height of his fame on Grey's Anatomy, Dane struggled with addiction and depression. He revealed that while he had been sober for a few years before joining the show, the sudden popularity and fame that came with the role took him by surprise, and he found it difficult to cope. "If you take the whole eight years on Grey's Anatomy, I was fucked up longer than I was sober," he confessed, adding that the sudden popularity might have played a role in his relapse.
Despite the challenges, Dane has managed to rebound and is currently portraying the role of Cal Jacobs on the hit show Euphoria, alongside young star Jacob Elordi. He also recently starred in the film Bad Boy: Ride or Die, alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, showing that his talent and charisma remain intact, despite the challenges he has faced.
