Patrick Dempsey From McDreamy: Nearly twenty years have passed since the charismatic Patrick Dempsey graced television screens as the captivating neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd in ABC’s beloved series Grey’s Anatomy (and even longer since his breakout role as the endearing outcast in the 1987 film Can’t Buy Me Love.
His heartthrob status stirred such a frenzy among fans that he made multiple appearances in the pages of this very issue over the years. Now, he takes home the crown of Sexiest Man Alive.
“I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life,” shares the 57-year-old Maine native with PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “It’s nice to receive recognition, and though my ego gets a slight bump, it provides me with a platform to use for something positive.”
His most cherished venture is the Dempsey Center, which he established in honor of his late mother to offer support to cancer patients and their families. Alongside this, he treasures his role as a devoted family man to his wife Jillian, 57, a talented makeup artist and the founder of her own clean beauty line. Their children, Talula, 21, and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby, hold a special place in his heart. Beyond this, he nurtures his love for race car driving.
Upon learning the news, what crossed his mind? “I was completely taken aback, and then I burst out laughing, like, is this a joke? I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” he chuckles.
“I had completely forgotten about it and never even considered being in this position. So, my ego is in good shape.” As for how his children will react, Dempsey insists that they will “simply mock me, tease me, and come up with every reason why I shouldn’t be,” he shares. “Which is good, they keep me youthful.”
In December, he will showcase his racing skills in the Michael Mann-directed biopic Ferrari (which received an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA during the actors’ strike), portraying Italian driver Piero Taruffi. This experience taught him a lesson in taking risks—though not on the track.
“I had been following the movie for years, so I reached out to Michael and said, ‘I want to discuss being a part of this,'” recalls Dempsey. “That taught me that if you truly desire something, you have to take the initiative yourself.”
Now, the actor is realizing that good things do indeed come to those who wait. “I’ve got the bumper stickers, T-shirts, posters,” he jokes about his new title. Does this mean he has reached his pinnacle? “I peaked many years ago,” he laughs. “But I’m still here.”
Ferrari hits theaters on Christmas Day. For more information on the Dempsey Center, visit dempseycenter.org.
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