It's been nearly 20 years since Patrick Dempsey appeared on the small screen as neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on ABC Television. Grey's Anatomy (Even more years have passed since his breakthrough role as a lovable outcast in 1987) Can't Buy Me Love).
His exciting status has caused a frenzy among fans and he has graced the pages of this issue many times over the years. Now he's been crowned Sexiest Man Alive.
“I’m glad something like this is happening at this point in my life,” the 57-year-old Maine native tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “It's nice to be recognized. It's definitely a bit of a shock to my ego, but it gives me a platform to use it in something positive.”
Closest to his heart is the Dempsey Center, which he founded in honor of his late mother to support cancer patients and their loved ones.
carter smith
Other passions include his wife Gillian, 57, a makeup artist and founder of her own clean beauty line, and their children Talulah, 21, and twins Sullivan and Darby. (16 years old) being a family man and honing his hobbies. Driving a race car.
So what went through his mind when he first heard the news? “I was completely shocked, but then I started laughing, 'This is a joke, right?' was always my bridesmaid!'' he says with a laugh.
“I completely forgot about it and didn't even think about being in this position. So my ego is good.”
carter smith
As for how the kids react, Dempsey claims, “They just make fun of me, bully me, and come up with all the reasons why I shouldn't do that.” “That's good, they keep me young.”
In December, he will show off his racing skills in a biopic directed by Michael Mann. ferrari He played Piero Taruffi, an Italian driver (who received a tentative agreement from SAG-AFTRA during the actors' strike). The film taught him a lesson in risk-taking, but it threw him off course.
“I'd been following this movie for years, so I called Michael and said, 'I'd like to talk to you about being a part of this,'” Dempsey said. I remember. “It taught me that if you really want something, you have to do it yourself.”
For more on 2023's Sexiest Man Alive, check out this week's issue. peopleon newsstands Friday.
carter smith
Now, the actor is learning that really good things come to those who wait.
“I've got bumper stickers, T-shirts, posters,” he jokes about the new title. Does this mean he has reached his peak? “I hit my peak years ago,” he says with a laugh. “But I'm still here.”
ferrari It will be shown in theaters on Christmas Day. For more information about the Dempsey Center, visit dempseycenter.org.
