Showrunner Shonda Rhimes shocked fans in April when she killed off Dempsey's character after 10 years on "Grey's Anatomy". There were widespread rumours as to the reason for the untimely exit of the star, but a new male lead was not cast until this week, reported Us magazine.
New Zealand native Anderson, 40, comes to the medical series after stints on Australia's "Secrets & Lies"
And SundanceTV's The "Red Road".
The Ellen Pompeo-starring show is going through a bit of a cast shake-up as longtime star Sandra Oh, who plays Cristina Yang, exited last season, and the new crop of attendings have become more of a focus.
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Henderson is hyped to play a new surgeon on "Grey's Anatomy", potentially taking over Dr Shepherd's schedule of brain surgeries.
The "Ring" star previously worked with ABC gem Rhimes on the network's short-lived drama "Off the Map", which ShondaLand produced.
The "Sweet Home Alabama" actor was mourned by fans after his unexpected departure, which costar James Pickens Jr (Dr Richard Webber) said even came as a shock to the cast.