To say that fans of 'Grey's Anatomy' were shocked at Patrick Dempsey's exit from the show is an understatement. The demise of his character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, also known as McDreamy, caused a petition to circulate online, demanding for his return to the show.

However, it appears that not only were the fans unaware of his exit, but most of the cast members of the hit ABC medical drama apparently had no clue at all about the devastating plot twist.

In an interview with ABC news on Thursday, May 14, James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber) said that Derek's death came as a surprise to the whole cast.

"We didn't know a whole lot," said Pickens. "It was kind of on the fly. So whatever information we got, we pretty much got it kind of right before it happened."

The 60-year old actor said that he was sad to see Dempsey go. Both were original cast members, having started way back in the show's debut in 2005.

"Obviously, Grey's wouldn't have been Grey's without him. He was such an integral part of that," said Pickens. "He's a very talented guy. His character has become iconic. I mean, it's part of the lexicon of TV."

Dempsey's last scene on the show aired on April 23, but this week, the show's season finale offered something that felt more like a closure. Meredith gave Amelia the last voicemail Derek ever left her, allowing both his sister and the audience to imagine him happy one last time.

"I wish you could see this. Weather's classic Seattle. Oh, the water is so blue. It may be the most perfect ferryboat ride I've ever had in my life," said Derek from the ferry. "I love you, I love our family…I'll see you when I get home."