One of the most recognisable faces in Hollywood is that of Patrick Dempsey, who, like some of his contemporaries, has been ageing like fine wine. At 57, the actor best known for playing Derek Shepherd aka “McDreamy” on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has been named People magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ for the year 2023.
Dempsey succeeds Marvel star Chris Evans (best known for playing Captain America in the Avengers universe), chosen for the top spot in 2022. He has bagged the title more than 30 years after he began his career in Hollywood. Besides the TV drama Grey’s Anatomy, he has starred in the Enchanted film franchise, Made of Honor, and Bridget Jones’s Baby.
“I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life. It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive,” Dempsey told the American publication. The announcement was made on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night.
Dempsey, also a racing car driver, will return to the big screen in the Michael Mann-directed biopic Ferrari, playing Piero Taruffi, an Italian Formula One driver. The film has received a waiver from SAG-AFTRA amidst the ongoing strike of the actor’s body against the studios and streaming services.
“I’d been following the movie for years, so I called Michael and said, ‘I want to discuss being a part of this.’ That taught me if you really want something, you have to do it yourself,” added the actor.
Aside from acting and racing, he also founded the Dempsey Center, a Maine-based organisation that supports cancer patients and their loved ones, in the memory of his late mother Amanda.
Previous title holders of People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ include Paul Rudd, Michael B Jordan, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, John Legend, Idris Elba, Chris Hemsworth, and Channing Tatum.