It has been almost twenty years since Patrick Dempsey wowed audiences on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy as physician Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd. The 57-year-old hottie, who gained notoriety for his breakthrough performance in the 1987 film Can’t Buy Me Love, currently appears on People magazine’s cover as the Sexiest Man Alive.
Dempsey thanks People for the acknowledgment, saying, “I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life,” in an interview. Although receiving accolades makes my ego slightly larger, it’s still pleasant to have and provides me a chance to put it to good use.”
The Dempsey Center, which was established to serve cancer patients and their loved ones in memory of his late mother, holds a special place in his heart.
With a laugh, Dempsey says of his kids’ response to the title, “They’re just going to pick on me and make fun of me and figure out every reason why I shouldn’t be. Fortunately, they keep me youthful.”
Playing Italian driver Piero Taruffi in Michael Mann’s movie Ferrari, Dempsey will demonstrate his racing prowess in December. Looking back on his role in the movie, he emphasizes the value of proactive pursuit and offers a vital lesson about taking chances to follow one’s dreams.
With a laugh, Dempsey says, “I’ve got the bumper stickers, T-shirts, posters,” acknowledging the myriad mementos that may follow his acceptance of the title of Sexiest Man Alive. He states emphatically, “I peaked many years ago, but I’m still here,” in spite of any perception that he has peaked.
