Patrick Dempsey, renowned for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd—affectionately known as McDreamy—in the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has reflected on his time with the show and the path his career has taken since leaving. The 60-year-old actor was an original cast member of the series when it premiered in 2005 and captivated audiences for nearly a decade before departing during the 11th season.
In an appearance on ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, Dempsey discussed his decision to leave, stating, “It was time to walk away.” He expressed his passion for motorsport, having since participated in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he achieved notable success, including a first-place finish in a six-hour endurance race in Japan.
Dempsey credited Grey’s Anatomy with providing him a valuable platform, mentioning its positive impact on society by inspiring many young viewers to pursue careers in medicine. “I think that’s a great thing,” he remarked, acknowledging the role the series has played in driving interest in the medical profession.
Despite the show’s popularity, Dempsey chose not to expose his children to it, citing their direct nature regarding opinions. “I kept them as far away as possible,” he said.
Beyond his acting career, Dempsey has also made significant contributions through charity work. He established The Dempsey Centre in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine, which offers free holistic treatments to cancer patients. This initiative was inspired by his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer. “We don’t treat the disease, we treat the person holistically,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of healing beyond just physical treatment.
Dempsey recently made headlines for being named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2023, which he described as a delightful surprise. Known for his charming roles in romantic films such as Enchanted and Made of Honor, he continues to evolve as an actor, currently starring in a new U.S. crime drama titled Memory Of A Killer, where he portrays a family man leading a double life as a hit-man.
As Dempsey continues to balance his acting career with philanthropic efforts, his journey illustrates how one can leverage fame to create positive change in the world. His story of success and compassion serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact that public figures can have on both their fans and the broader community.