London, July 28 :  American actor Eric Dane has announced he is leaving "Grey's Anatomy" and has thanked fans for their support.

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

"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," contactmusic.com quoted Dane as saying.

"It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes," he added.

© IANS