'Grey's Anatomy' star Eric Dane shares surprising reason he was 'let go' from hit series amid addiction battle

There's a "McSteamy" answer to why Eric Dane left the hit series "Grey's Anatomy" in dramatic fashion in 2012.

The actor, who played the beloved plastic surgeon Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan, says when he booked the hit ABC show fronted by Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo, he'd been "sober for three or four years."

"So I had my wits about me and I sort of knew what reality was and what reality wasn't," he shared on the "Armchair Expert" podcast with actor Dax Shepard. "And I was able to differentiate between the two. And I was able to sort of conceptualize what that was, keep it in its place, enjoy it, dip in every now and again and come back."

'GREY'S ANATOMY' STAR ERIC DANE ENTERS REHAB FOR PAINKILLER ADDICTION

"I think the net-net is I didn't really handle it very well," the actor, now 51, shared. "Because if you take the whole eight years on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,' I was f---ed up longer than I was sober. And that's when things started going sideways for me."

Dane joined the show as a series regular in season three after his character generated buzz in a sizzling towel scene in the second season. 

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Dane says he relapsed at some point during his stint on the show while trying to manage the expectations of playing such a revered and pined-for character on television. 

"It was overwhelming, and I think I just wanted to pretend that it wasn't and that I was comfortable with it. Act like you've been there, but you haven't been there," he said. "It's very hard to sort of digest," he said of the fame.

Being labeled one of Hollywood's hottest TV stars was not all it was cracked up to be for Dane. "That was weird for me because I never saw myself as that, it was a real source of self-doubt," he explained. "I felt fraudulent."

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"My exterior did not match my interior," he added.

His character was killed off in the second episode of season nine, which aired in October 2012. In 2013, Dane told Entertainment Weekly that his departure was giving him a chance to explore other avenues. "'Grey’s Anatomy' is a world – it’s not about any one individual actor and the storylines were sort of… you know, heading in different directions. So it was an opportunity for me to go, and I was interested in something different."

But on the new podcast, Dane revealed to Shepard that he'd actually been "let go" from the show.

"I didn't leave so much as I think I was let go," he explained. "I was struggling. They didn't let me go because of that, although it definitely didn't help." (Dane went to rehab in 2011 for a painkiller addiction.) "I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on a show, you start to become very expensive for the network. And the network knows that the show is gonna do what it's gonna do, irrespective of who they keep on it. As long as they have their ‘Grey,' they're fine."

"I wasn't the same guy they had hired, so I had understood when I was let go. And [creator] Shonda [Rhimes] was really great. She protected us fiercely. She protected us publicly, she protected us privately."

"I love Shonda Rhimes, and she protected me, but I was probably fired," he admitted. "It wasn't ceremoniously like, ‘You’re fired.' It was just like… you're not coming back."

Rhimes previously attested to Entertainment Weekly that Dane "had been thinking" about exiting the show "for a while." At the time, rumors swirled that Dane was not returning due to budget cuts.

Dane did return to "Grey's Anatomy" in a dream sequence during season 17. The show aired its 20th season finale in May and has already been renewed for a 21st season.

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Lauper's Glastonbury set beset by sound problems

The US star struggled to be heard, and to hear herself, during a much-anticipated Pyramid stage set.

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Jeremy Renner’s friendship with ‘Avengers’ costars is ‘a real thing’: ‘We’re all connected’

When it comes to his friendships, Jeremy Renner is all in. 

In a new interview with Men’s Health for the publication's July/August issue, the "Avengers" actor opened up about the "real" bond he shares with his Marvel co-stars. 

"Oh, f--- yeah, it’s a real thing — it’s not just for Instagram. We f---n’ hate that s---," Renner said about his co-stars including Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and more. "No, we have a family chat and have for a long time. When you work with people — look, we all went through a culturally significant experience together."

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"And there’s divorces and marriages and babies; a lot of stuff happened in these 12 years," he continued. "In the films, we look like we’re at a costume party, and there’s ridiculous props and we’re doing these ridiculous things, but it’s also beautiful because we’re all connected."

"There’s a brotherhood or sisterhood or whatever the heck you want to call it," he added. "I just call it love. I love every one of them. I’d rather go to jail with [Robert] Downey [Jr.] than go do something amazing by myself. I’d rather get in a car crash with [Chris] Evans."

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One major life event in which his friends were by his side was his 2023 snowplow incident. On Jan. 1, 2023, Renner was airlifted to a hospital after he was run over by his own Snowcat while attempting to tow a vehicle stuck in the snow near his home in the Sierra Nevada mountains. He suffered more than 30 broken bones, blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries. 

"What a f---ing disaster, dude," Renner told Men's Health of his recovery. "Showering, going to the bathroom — everything was a disaster."

JEREMY RENNER HAD ‘NO ENDURANCE’ RETURNING TO ‘MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN’ AFTER ACCIDENT, STILL DID HIS OWN STUNTS

He added, "They give you medications so you don’t go to the bathroom, so you get constipated. And you pee in a jar. It was awful. That’s when you know things aren’t going great — you’re peeing in a plastic jug. It took me 17 minutes to get out of bed."

"There’s a lot of people that love me. And I had no idea," he continued. "I had to learn how to receive all this love, and it’s not easy. From people you don’t even know, even. Why is this accident such a thing? But then I said, ‘F---, stop asking why. Just receive it.’ I was famous for having a bow and arrow; now I’m famous for overcoming something as a man."

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The "Mayor of Kingstown" star showed off his recovery efforts and went shirtless on the cover of the publication. 

"Four months of abuse," Renner said of his workouts with personal trainer Cat Cantella. "Physical, mental, emotional. But I feel great and I look great!"

Renner started at-home rehabilitation prior to returning to Pittsburgh to film "Kingstown," but admitted he was barely prepared for the first day of filming in a cemetery where temperatures didn't reach above 40 degrees.

"I was pretty f---ing fragile when we started on Jan. 8. We’re walking around on ice, and I have no energy," Renner said. "I was falling asleep. But I think it’ll be the best season yet because of it. Don’t get me wrong, Mike’s still Mike — he’s still the guy you want as your friend. But it’s more emotional, because I'm more emotional."

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Renner admitted to almost pulling out of the show completely due to his mental health. 

"Because, dude, the last thing I wanted to do — to be honest with you, I almost pulled shoot and doing this show — was fiction," he said. "Like, ‘Oh wait, I don’t give a s--- about fiction!’ Bulls--- words and bulls--- stories and bulls--- character. It’s all bulls---. I gotta live in real reality here, because these bones and these joints — and I gotta go say fake lines and fake words and pretend to be… what? I got no time to f---ing pretend, man!"

He added, "So here’s how I shifted it, because I only have control of my perspective: I’m coming to Pittsburgh to recover in my body and get better every f---ing day, and I’m gonna do this show on the side. Instead of it being the other way around."

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this post. 

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Blue state deploys officials to the border with surprising warning for migrants

A blue state has deployed officials to the southern border in Texas to warn migrants that their shelters are full, as it struggles to house the numbers of migrants it is seeing. 

Massachusetts' Democratic Gov. Maura Healey announced on Tuesday that she had sent members of her administration to the border, citing "record" numbers of migrants coming to Boston. 

Officials will make connections with federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and migrant families "to educate them about the lack of shelter availability in Massachusetts." They will visit airports, migrant shelters, ports of entry and migrant welcome centers in San Antonio, McAllen, Hidaglo and Brownsville.

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"This trip is an important opportunity to meet with families arriving in the U.S. and the organizations that work with them at the border to make sure they have accurate information about the lack of shelter space in Massachusetts," Scott Rice, emergency assistance director general, said in a statement. 

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"It is essential that we get the word out that our shelters are full so that families can plan accordingly to make sure they have a safe place to go," he said.

Healey first declared a state of emergency in the state in early August, and later activated the National Guard to provide services. Recently, it implemented a limit on stays in emergency shelters to nine months. 

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But it is one of a number of areas across the U.S. that has struggled with a flood of migrants coming in via the southern border and being released. There were more than 2.4 million migrant encounters in FY23. Some migrants make their own way to destinations, while others are being bussed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott – who began bussing migrants to sanctuary cities in 2022.

Many Democratic-run states and cities have struggled to cope with the numbers of migrants they are seeing. Multiple mayors have urged the Biden administration to give them more federal funding, as well as expedited work permits to help migrants get jobs more quickly and be less reliant on social services. 

Healey has previously touted the more welcoming approach her state has taken, even though it has increased the pressure on her state.

"Many of these families are migrants to Massachusetts, drawn here because we are and proudly have been a beacon to those in need," Healey wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last year.

Recently, more than 100 migrants were seen sleeping on the floors of Boston’s Logan International Airport as it is used as a makeshift shelter due to shelters reaching their maximum capacity. 

In a statement, Healey’s office says it has prioritized work authorizations, job training, English classes and rehousing assistance. It says it has helped 3,785 migrants apply for work authorization, and enrolled more than 1,100 in English classes.

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Taylor Swift Eras Tour brings together Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis in star-studded crowd

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour really is bringing the people together, including some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Tom Cruise was spotted by fans in the VIP tent at Swift’s second London stop on Saturday night, singing and dancing along to her hit "Shake It Off."

One fan even showed video of herself on TikTok sharing friendship bracelets, a hallmark of the Swift fan experience, with the "Mission: Impossible" star.

Another clip shared on X captured not only Cruise, but Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig all bopping along to the music.

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Other stars in the crowd included Liam Hemsworth, Rachel Zegler and "Fifty Shades of Grey" star Jamie Dornan, according to fan videos.

Also in attendance was Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce, happily vibing to her music. His brother Jason Kelce and sister-in-law Kylie Kelce were there as well.

Swift gave a nod to Kelce in the crowd, once again changing the lyrics to her song "Karma" to sing, "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me." She did the same during a stop in Argentina when Kelce was in the crowd.

Hugh Grant was in the packed VIP tent and shared a cheeky thanks to the singer and her "gigantic" boyfriend for a great evening with his wife and one of his five children, his 8-year-old daughter.

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"Dear @taylorswift13," he wrote on X, "You have an incredible show, an amazing and v hospitable team and excellent if gigantic boyfriend (#tequilashots.). Thanks so much from one ageing [sic] London boy, wife and thrilled 8 year old." 

Grant also added the hashtag "#halfgirlhalfbracelet" alluding to the friendship bracelet trading trend.

On Friday during Swift’s first night in London, Prince William and his two oldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, dropped by Wembley Stadium and took a selfie with the "Cruel Summer" singer after the show.

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"Thank you @taylorswift13 for a great evening," the Prince of Wales shared on the official Kensington X account with a photo of the selfie being taken.

Swift also shared a similar selfie with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, along with Kelce.

"Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start," she wrote, acknowledging Prince William’s birthday.  

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Cancer patient sees Taylor Swift in concert after purchasing 'Eras Tour' tickets past her ‘prognosis’ date

A woman was finally able to "shake it off" after attending "The Eras Tour" and seeing superstar Taylor Swift perform live. 

Cancer patient Laura Mahon, 31, was given just one to two years to live after she was diagnosed in 2021 with an inoperable glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor, per the patient’s GoFundMe page.  

Mahon had been struggling to walk, was experiencing severe nausea and had sensitivity to light.

AS TAYLOR SWIFT'S ‘ERAS TOUR’ HITS LONDON, RESTAURANT OWNER SAYS SHE'S ALREADY PLACED A FAVORITE ORDER

At the time, the U.K. resident was 27 weeks pregnant.

Just three weeks later, she gave birth to a 3.4-pound baby girl named Sienna Mahon. 

By Dec. 2021, just a month after her baby was born, Mahon said on her GoFundMe page that she was given a year to live due to the size and location of her brain tumor. 

CALIFORNIA SHOW OF TAYLOR SWIFT'S ‘ERAS TOUR’. CLASSIFIED AS ‘MICROEARTHQUAKE’: THESE 5 SONGS HIT LOUDEST

Last year, however, when Mahon found out Taylor Swift would be stopping in Liverpool on "The Eras Tour," she decided to buy tickets for the June 13, 2024, show. 

Mahon’s husband, Daniel, took to Instagram the week of the show and gave an update on how the pair made it to the concert. 

He said, "Omg, we got her here, we are actually here. After 50 seizures over three days and a week on ward, Laura is getting to see Taylor Swift live."

TAYLOR SWIFT FANS ARE UPSET OVER UNOFFICIAL MERCH CRACKDOWN: ‘SUCH A BUMMER’ 

Daniel Mahon noted that Laura Mahon was having seizures every 10 minutes at one point — causing the couple to push their concert attendance date back by two nights. 

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"This has obviously had some effect on her," he said in the Instagram caption. 

"Currently, her walking and [the use of one] arm has gone, but [we] got it back before and we’ll do it again," he wrote.

Daniel Mahon revealed how much his wife was looking forward to the concert — and that it gave her something to focus on during her treatment. 

He added, "She sets milestones to get to, and although most [of them] are around seeing [daughter] Sienna grow up, getting to see Taylor live was up there on her bucket list."

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Mahon family for further comment. 

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Trump fires up major faith gathering just days ahead of first clash with Biden

Former President Trump fired up a major gathering of conservative and faith voters on Saturday, just days ahead of what's expected to be an epic head-to-head battle with President Biden in the first presidential debate of 2024.

A diverse crowd of more than a thousand attendees of the Faith & Freedom Coalition's annual Road to Majority conference piled into the Washington Hilton's ballroom to hear the former president, who spared no time in mentioning the pending clash.

"Nobody's going to be watching the debate on Thursday night, right?" Trump joked, prompting laughs from the crowd.

INSIDERS REVEAL HOW BIDEN, TRUMP ARE PREPPING FOR THE 1ST 2024 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

He spent part of his opening remarks calling for Christians to get out and vote in November. "Christians don't vote that much. You don't have to vote in four years, but you have to vote this time," he joked.

After his remarks, which are expected to last about an hour and 15 minutes, the president will travel to Philadelphia for a rally this evening. 

The Road to Majority Conference is hosted annually by F&F, a major Christian grassroots organization with more than 3 million members across the U.S. The conference is known as the largest public policy gathering of conservative Christian activists in the U.S., and will focus on policy issues that matter most to voters of faith ahead of the 2024 election.

KEY DEM SENATE CANDIDATE WHO ACCUSED OPPONENT OF ELECTION DENIALISM HAS HISTORY OF QUESTIONING RESULTS

Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin spoke just ahead of Trump, issuing a call to action to get the former president back into the White House, as well as strengthened Republican majorities in Congress.

The two appeared together for the first time ever earlier this month — not long after a poll showed Trump and Biden tied in the blue-leaning state — fanning the rumors already circulating that Youngkin is being considered as a potential vice presidential running mate.

Other prominent speakers at the conference were South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty.

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Noem, Carson and Gabbard have also all been mentioned as potential running mates for Trump. The event marks the latest instance where a number of those reportedly in the running for the role could be competing on stage for Trump's approval ahead of the Republican National Convention this summer.

Trump will meet Biden on an Atlanta stage this Thursday in a debate hosted by CNN, the first meeting between the two rivals since their final debate ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

The two are only expected to meet on the debate stage one other time ahead of the November general election, when ABC News hosts its debate in September.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

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