Actor Eric Dane said Thursday he will not be returning to the hit T.V. show Grey's Anatomy for its upcoming ninth season.
In a statement to TV Line, who first reported the news of his departure, Dane says, "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. It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes."
Dane, who plays fan favorite Mark Sloan aka McSteamy, has been a part of the ABC T.V. show since its second season. While Mark was near death at the end of the season eight finale, creator Shonda Rhimes hints that fans possibly haven't seen the last of the hot doc on Grey's Anatomy.
Rhimes also issued a statement regarding Dane's departure from the show. "We're a big family here at Grey's with a long history together and Eric will always remain an important part of our family," she says.
"I wish him the best and I look forward to watching him as he continues to steam up the big and small screen." Rhimes calls Mark "one of the most beloved characters" on the show and says the actor "did not come to this decision lightly, but after much consideration and conversations, he and I have decided that this is the right time for his storyline to end."
At the end of season eight, Mark (Dane's character) watched helplessly as his love Lexie (Chyler Leigh) died after suffering injuries from the shocking plane crash; Mark ended the finale near death and distraught over his loss.
He is not the only cast member who will not be back for the next season. In addition to Leigh, Kim Raver also left the show.
Dane has two young daughters with wife Rebecca Gayheart.
Grey's Anatomy's ninth season premieres Sept. 27 on ABC.
