What's Next for Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey? Actor Addresses Rumour He's Quit Acting

Patrick Dempsey's Derek Shepherd might have left "Grey's Anatomy" and Shondaland, but the actor is no way done with acting.

Soon after his exit from the show after more than 10 years of being the lead, rumours started swirling around that "Grey's Anatomy" would be Dempsey's last project, and that racing would be his main priority now.

However, Dempsey clarified that he has not bid adieu to his acting career just yet. "I'm not retiring from acting," Dempsey told People on Saturday in Indianapolis, where he was attending the annual Indianapolis 500.

"I definitely love racing," he added. "I love the camaraderie and the fellowship. I think the challenge is with oneself and not so much your fellow competitors, necessarily."

Dempsey's exit from "Grey's Anatomy" shocked a lot of fans as they never expected Shonda Rhimes to kill one of the main leads. Since then rumours have been rife that Dempsey was fired from the show for his "diva" behaviour, and it is a known fact that Rhimes does not tolerate difficult actors.

Interestingly, there were also reports that Dempsey was fired for his inappropriate relationship with a "Grey's Anatomy" staffer.

A show source told Radar Online that "Patrick's affair with the staffer on the show began last August. It was obvious to everyone Patrick was [sleeping with] her. It got very messy and emotional on set and became a huge liability."

"Patrick would remain in his trailer after hooking up with her on set and refuse to come out. He had also been complaining about the storyline of his character, and felt he wasn't getting enough screen time," the source claimed.

The media outlet added that Dempsey was suspended briefly, but even when he returned things did not improve.

"Shonda doesn't put up with any off-screen antics," said the source. "There were lingering feelings of anger towards Patrick, and it was only getting worse. This is when he began showing up late, not remembering lines. Shonda had no other choice but to fire him."