Credit: Getty

Eric Dane is opening up about why his time on Grey’s Anatomy came to an end.

The late actor, who played Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama, reflected on his departure in his upcoming posthumous memoir, My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments.

In an excerpt published by People on Sunday (October 18), Eric discussed his struggles with addiction during his time on the show, as well as why he believed he was ultimately written out.

Why Did Eric Dane Leave Grey’s Anatomy?

Eric joined Grey’s Anatomy as Mark Sloan in 2006 and became one of the show’s most recognizable stars.

However, he struggled with addiction during his time on the series, including a relapse involving prescription painkillers around 2008.

In his memoir, Eric recalled how his behavior on set changed as he struggled with his health. He said he became increasingly withdrawn and felt his co-stars were concerned about him.

According to the excerpt, series creator Shonda Rhimes approached him several times and offered to support him if he needed to take a break.

Eric also revealed that he attended rehabilitation treatment five times during his years on the show, and that he was mentally checking out towards the end of his run.

“I love Mark Sloan, but I need to quit him,” he recalls.

By the end of Season 8 in 2012, he said Shonda told him he would not be returning for the following season.

Although he acknowledged that his struggles with addiction may have affected his standing on the series, he believed money was the deciding factor.

Eric wrote that his departure was not because of his addiction, although he acknowledged that his struggles likely did not help his situation.

He went on to explain that he believed he had become too expensive for the series and was considered expendable, despite his character’s popularity.

“The reason comes down to money … Despite Mark Sloan’s popularity, I have become too expensive. I have become expendable,” he writes.

Eric passed away on February 19, 2026, at age 53 after his battle with ALS.

Before his passing, he recorded an interview for Netflix’s Famous Last Words, in which he shared a message for his daughters.

His emotional final interview was released in February.

My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments is scheduled to be released on November 3 through The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Posted To:Books Eric Dane Grey's Anatomy My Book Of Days Shonda Rhimes Television