VIDEO : ABC to Save $10 Million in Patrick Dempsey 'Grey's Anatomy' Exit

While longtime viewers of Grey's Anatomy might be furious over leading man Patrick Dempsey's departure from the series, ABC might be cheering his exit.
Dempsey was among TV's highest-paid stars, earning what sources say was about $400,000 an episode ? or roughly $9.6 million for a 24-episode season of the drama, which is produced by ABC Studios.
Top stars leaving hit shows is becoming a trend this season. The actor, 49, was written out when his Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd was killed off in the April 23 episode, which was penned by series creator ShondaRhimes. Perhaps even more surprising was that Dempsey had another year left on his contract.??