'Grey's Anatomy' Shocker: Eric Dane Announces His Departure

Dr. Sloan will make his final rounds this fall! Are you devastated?

Grey’s Anatomy is seriously losing steam — well, McSteamy, to be exact. HollywoodLife.com‘s sister site TV Line is reporting that Eric Dane is checking out of the hit ABC medical drama after more than six clothing-optional seasons. But there is some good news: Dr. Mark Sloan will return to Seattle Grace at the beginning of season nine to wrap up his story line.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone at Grey’s, ABC and Shondaland for the experience and memories I have had over the course of this run,” Eric tells the site. “It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes.”

Shonda also spoke to the site, clarifying that Eric’s exit was a decision they came to together.

Personally, I can’t say I’m too surprised to see him leave. When Lexie (Chyler Leigh) died on the eighth season finale, Sloan was devastated — not to mention he was suddenly without a love interest. (And what’s the use of Sloan if he isn’t plowing someone in the break room?)

But rather than focus on the sad news of Sloan’s departure, let’s remember the good times — and by that, I mean the doctor’s first appearance during the second season finale. (That towel should have been credited as a special guest star. For real.)

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Are you devastated by this news, Grey’s fans? Or do you agree with me that it’s the right for Sloan to complete his rounds? Drop me a comment with your reaction to this life-changing news.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

[TV Line]

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Yea I to will miss mark he made me smile and laugh and I to think it stinks they killed
mark off,so yea send him over to PrivatePractice so we can still see him.

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I am unsure whether I really want to watch the season from here on out due to the death of Mark. Lexie was a good character but not a deal breaker for me.

I had no idea this was happening. I was devastated when I finally got to sit down and watch. Mark’s absence has left a huge void. I agree….he definitely could have gone on without Lexie. Please let it be a dream.

Its terrible that you got rid of Mark he could have gone on without Lexie. I don’t know if I want to watch anymore and then Arizona being messed up??? I don’t think that will turn out well either. Who needs more downers when we get that any way in life??? Disappointed fan.

Just watched the episode and he is dead. Im so upset :(

I think it sucks that Mark is no longer on the show!!!! And getting rid of Lexie was just wrong!!! Why change a good thing. When you got rid of George I quit watching for a while, the show has never been the same. I think you are making another mistake!!

I’ll miss mcsteamy, who will wear the towel now?

Who is gonna be our McSteamy now?

OMG, oh this show is getting SOO MUCH better. Not only we lost Lexie, and now we lose McSteamy!!!! Well, on the other hand maybe it´s better this way. I can´t imagine Mark without Lexie.

Send Dr. Sloan to Private Practice, let him shake things up over there.

He will prolly move away because he cant deal with the loss of lexi,and then they will mention the baby going to visit her dad,this way his name is still in the show and they can explore arizona and callies relationship in more detail without having to worry about filming with a baby and then mark hasn’t technically “left” the daughter we all know he wouldn’t .

NOOO :,( im gonna miss him on the show so much

It’s time Grey’s Anatomy to make its final rounds!

Eric will be sorely missed but maybe he just needs a new challenge and new opportunities. Hopefully he will be making some movies in the future.

I think this is a bad idea, How are they going to explain him leaving his daughter. They need to bring lexi back and make them get together. There is still time. I fear all these people leaving will hurt the show.