Eric Dane opens up about his struggles with addiction and departure from Grey's Anatomy

In a recent episode of Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast, actor Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy," opened up about his struggles with sobriety and body image during his time on the show. Dane revealed that despite being sober for three to four years before joining the series, he found himself "f----- up longer than [he] was sober" during his eight-year tenure on the medical drama. The instant fame he experienced on the show was described as "wild" by Dane, who admitted to feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable with the attention his looks garnered him, leading to self-doubt and a sense of fraudulence. Dane's character, Dr. Mark Sloan, was introduced to "Grey's Anatomy" fans in season 2 and became a full-time cast member from season 3 to season 8 before meeting a tragic end in the season 9 premiere. Reflecting on his departure from the show in 2012, Dane shared that he felt he didn't handle the situation well and acknowledged that he may have been fired due to changes in his behavior and mindset. Despite his struggles, Dane made a cameo appearance as McSteamy in season 17, alongside other returning characters in a dream sequence. The actor's departure from "Grey's Anatomy" was attributed to various factors, including his increasing cost to the network as a long-standing cast member. Dane admitted to relapsing during the Writers Guild of America Strike in 2007 and acknowledged that his behavior had changed over the years, leading to his eventual exit from the show. Show creator Shonda Rhimes was mentioned as being supportive during this challenging period, with Dane expressing gratitude towards her despite feeling that he was likely let go from the series. As the show continues into its 21st season, original characters like Dr. Miranda Bailey and Dr. Richard Webber remain as full-time cast members. The return of past characters for guest appearances, including Dane's McSteamy, highlights the enduring popularity and nostalgia surrounding "Grey's Anatomy." Despite his personal struggles during his time on the show, Eric Dane's candid reflections shed light on the complexities of fame, sobriety, and self-identity in the world of television.