Why did Patrick Dempsey leave Grey's Anatomy?

Why did Patrick Dempsey leave Grey's Anatomy?
Patrick Dempsey in Grey's Anatomy (Source: ABC)


Patrick Dempsey left Grey's Anatomy to focus on new opportunities and spend time with his family.


Grey’s Anatomy is an American medical drama series created by Shonda Rhimes for the ABC network. It was released on March 27, 2005, and currently has 21 seasons. The 21st season aired recently in September 2024. The show is set in a fictional hospital called the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, previously known as the Seattle Grace Hospital. The story follows the personal and professional lives of interns, residents, and attending doctors in the hospital. The original cast of Grey’s Anatomy included Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Katherine Heigl, T. R. Knight, Isaiah Washington, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr.


Patrick Dempsey played the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy. He was one of the original cast members of the show. His character was a fan favorite, and it shocked everyone when he left the show in the 11th season. Here’s a look at the reasons why Patrick Dempsey left Grey’s Anatomy.


Why did Patrick Dempsey stop acting in Grey’s Anatomy?


Why did Patrick Dempsey leave Grey's Anatomy?
Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo in Grey's Anatomy (Source: ABC)


Patrick Dempsey joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy in 2005 as Derek Shepherd and became one of the most beloved characters of the show. He was referred to as “Dr. McDreamy” by the fans of Grey’s Anatomy. When he left the show in 2015, many speculations about his exit began circulating. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Patrick signed a 2-year contract to appear in Grey’s Anatomy’s 11th and 12th seasons, but his character was written off in the 11th season. The report suggests that he and the creator of the show Shonda Rhimes had creative differences and conflicts on the set.


In 2021, author Lynette Rice's book How to Save a Life: The Inside Story of Grey’s Anatomy came out. The book explored the behind-the-scenes of Grey’s Anatomy. In the book, former executive producers James D. Parriott and Jeannine Renshaw accused Patrick of “terrorizing the set.” His attitude towards the cast and crew became the reason for his character's writing out.


On the other hand, in an interview with People magazine, Patrick Dempsey shared that he is grateful for Grey’s Anatomy and he discussed it with the creator Shonda Rhimes. According to him, it had been long enough and it was time for him to move on. He admitted that the tight shooting schedule and long working hours didn’t leave him time to spend with his family.


Related: Who played Denny Duquette on Grey's Anatomy​


How did Derek Shepherd die on Grey’s Anatomy?


Why did Patrick Dempsey leave Grey's Anatomy?
Derek Shepherd (Source: ABC)


Derek Shepherd died in season 11, episode 21, titled "How to Save a Life". His death was one of the most emotional moments of the show. His character died in a tragic car accident when he stopped to help the victims of a crash. He successfully helped the victims but was later pronounced brain dead because he didn’t receive a CT scan from the doctor treating him.


His wife, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), was forced to make the difficult decision to take her husband off life support. Before saying her goodbyes, she forgives the doctor for his mistake that caused Derek’s death. His death left Meredith devastated and she gave an emotional farewell to him. Fans were shocked and devastated by the death of Derek Shepherd, as he was one of the main characters, and his relationship with Meredith was loved by the fans.


Read more about Grey's Anatomy:


Greys anatomy cast

Who is the Director of Grey's Anatomy?

Who wrote greys anatomy

Who does george marry in greys anatomy

FAQs about Patrick Dempsey

A. Patrick Dempsey played the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd.

A. Meredith Grey was Derek’s wife in Grey’s Anatomy.

A. There are 21 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy as of November 2024.

Related Stories

Who played Mayor Jahns in Silo? Actor's notable projects, explored Who played Mayor Jahns in Silo? Actor's notable projects, explored
Who played Mayor Jahns in Silo? Actor's notable projects, explored
13h
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 director reveals the details about Jim Carey’s recasting Sonic The Hedgehog 3 director reveals the details about Jim Carey’s recasting
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 director reveals the details about Jim Carey’s recasting 
12h
“You don’t know nothing about me” – Baddies Midwest star Akbar clashes with Diamond The Body “You don’t know nothing about me” – Baddies Midwest star Akbar clashes with Diamond The Body
“You don’t know nothing about me” – Baddies Midwest star Akbar clashes with Diamond The Body
1d
What happens to Lisa Davis in SEAL Team? Her rank, love life, and character arc, explored What happens to Lisa Davis in SEAL Team? Her rank, love life, and character arc, explored
What happens to Lisa Davis in SEAL Team? Her rank, love life, and character arc, explored
14h
"I'm scared for my life" — Baddies Midwest star Akbar accuses Tinkaabellaaa of life-threatening remarks "I'm scared for my life" — Baddies Midwest star Akbar accuses Tinkaabellaaa of life-threatening remarks
"I'm scared for my life" — Baddies Midwest star Akbar accuses Tinkaabellaaa of life-threatening remarks 
14h
What time does Squid Game Season 2 premiere on Netflix? Streaming details for all timezones, explored What time does Squid Game Season 2 premiere on Netflix? Streaming details for all timezones, explored
What time does Squid Game Season 2 premiere on Netflix? Streaming details for all timezones, explored
1d
"Girl SHUT UP!" Baddies Midwest fans weigh in on Summer and Slim's fiery fight "Girl SHUT UP!" Baddies Midwest fans weigh in on Summer and Slim's fiery fight
"Girl SHUT UP!" Baddies Midwest fans weigh in on Summer and Slim's fiery fight
18h
What to expect from Doctor Who Christmas Special 2024: Joy to The World? Explored What to expect from Doctor Who Christmas Special 2024: Joy to The World? Explored
What to expect from Doctor Who Christmas Special 2024: Joy to The World? Explored
10h
"Needed a little push": The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star Sandy recalls Nick issuing the ultimatum "Needed a little push": The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star Sandy recalls Nick issuing the ultimatum
"Needed a little push": The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star Sandy recalls Nick issuing the ultimatum
1d
Why was Avizandum killed in The Dragon Prince? Explained in depth Why was Avizandum killed in The Dragon Prince? Explained in depth
Why was Avizandum killed in The Dragon Prince? Explained in depth
17h