Eric Dane quits 'Grey's Anatomy'

The 39-year-old, who portrays the role of Dr Mark Sloan in the long-running TV show, has thanked those behind the scenes and proclaimed the show's creator Shonda Rhimes as a "creative force", reported Daily Mail online.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone at 'Grey's', ABC and Sondaland 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 said.

The actor first appeared as a guest star in season two, but strong audience reaction saw him become a regular from the following series onward.