'Grey's Anatomy' promotes Jason George to series regular

Los Angeles: American actor Jason Winston George has been promoted to series regular on "Grey's Anatomy" for the medical drama's upcoming 12th season.

The 43-year-old actor fills the void left by the shocking departure of original star Patrick Dempsey, whose character was killed off the show in late April, said The Hollywood reporter.

George made his debut as Dr Ben Warren on season six, playing the love interest of Bailey (Chandra Wilson). The two married in season nine.

The actor has recently been splitting his time between "Grey's Anatomy" and another ABC drama "Mistresses", which returns for season three this month.

He also starred on the short-lived 2010 ABC series "Off the Map", which was executive produced by "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes.

"Grey's Anatomy" returns in the fall on ABC.