Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey is well recognized for his career-defining role as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd in the long-running medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. Dempsey’s long stint on Grey’s Anatomy earned him numerous accolades including 2 Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards, as well as 2 Golden Globe nominations.
Way back in the 80s, Dempsey perfected the “awkward Prince Charming” persona with roles in romantic comedies like Can’t Buy Me Love, Loverboy, Happy Together among several others. He equally showed his funny side in 2002’s Sweet Home Alabama and more recently, has appeared in Disney’s musical comedy Enchanted (2007), Made of Honor (2008), and Valentine’s Day (2010). Patrick Dempsey, however, channeled his more serious side in the 2011 box-office monster Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011).
Age, Early Life, and Background Details
Patrick Galen Dempsey was born on January 13, 1966, in Lewiston, Maine. His father William Allen Dempsey worked as an insurance broker and his mother Amanda (née Casson) as a school secretary. Dempsey has European roots as his father has German, English, Scottish and remote Swedish heritage. He was raised in Buckfield, Maine alongside 2 older siblings.
Patrick Dempsey schooled at St. Dominic Regional High School and later switched to Buckfield High School. However, he was not able to complete his high school diploma. Growing up, Dempsey was very good at juggling and he competed in several juggling contests. In 1981, he participated in the International Jugglers’ Association Championship where he finished as first runner-up to legendary juggler Anthony Gatto.
Just like juggling, acting came naturally to young Patrick Dempsey. He started his career as a stage actor in his hometown and also went on tours to other cities. In 1985, Dempsey marked his film debut in the comedy flick Heaven Help Us. This was promptly followed by roles in Meatballs III: Summer Job and Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color: A Fighting Choice both in 1986. He equally landed a regular role in the short-lived sitcom Fast Times (1986). Dempsey’s budding acting career got a major boost when he landed a starring role in the 1985 film In the Mood.
In the late 80s, Patrick cemented his ‘young charmer’ persona with roles in comedy films like Some Girls (1988), Loverboy (1989), and Happy Together (1989). Dempsey also appeared as a young John F. Kennedy in the miniseries JFK: Reckless Youth (1993). In 2001, he received an Emmy Award nomination for his guest role as Aaron Brook in the highly-acclaimed series Once and Again. The talented actor also starred opposite Reese Witherspoon in the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama (2002).
Patrick Dempsey’s most notable TV role is that of Dr. Derek Shepherd in the long-running hit medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. His epic portrayal of the character has earned him much critical acclaim including 2 consecutive Golden Globe nominations, 2 SAG Awards, and several others. Dempsey’s stint as Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy came to an end in 2015 after an 11-season run. On the big screen, Patrick Dempsey also received critical praise for his role in the musical comedy box-office hit Enchanted (2007).
In addition to his illustrious acting career, Patrick Dempsey is also well versed in auto racing. According to the talented actor who has participated in several professional-amateur races, motorsport is much more than a hobby for him. Dempsey actually plans on becoming a full-time race-car driver if he ever retires from acting.
Patrick Dempsey’s Family, Wife, and Kids
The Hollywood star is currently married to a hairstylist and makeup professional, Jillian Fink. The couple tied the knot on July 31, 1999. After nearly 16 years of marriage, Jillian Fink filed for divorce in early 2015. The reasons for the divorce application remain undisclosed. However, the two settled their differences and patched up their relationship before that year came to an end. The divorce application was officially struck off in November 2016.
Prior to his current union, Patrick Dempsey was married to former actress and acting coach Rochelle “Rocky” Parker. At the time of their marriage in 1987, Dempsey and Parker had an interesting 27 years age gap between them. The duo co-starred in the 1987 film In the Mood and Parker also doubled as Dempsey’s manager at that time. Their marriage ended in divorce on 26 April 1994. Rocky Parker passed on in April 2014.
Patrick Dempsey has 3 children with his wife Jillian Fink. On February 20, 2002, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tallula Fyfe. On February 20, 2007, they welcomed 2 new additions to their family, twin sons named Sullivan Patrick Dempsey and Darby Galen Dempsey.
His Net Worth
During his run as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey was the highest-paid cast member and also one of the highest-paid TV actors at the time. In addition to his illustrious career on the small-screen, Dempsey has also featured in several box-office hits including Disney’s Enchanted (2007) as well as Michael Bay‘s Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). All these and several juicy endorsement deals bring the net worth of this Hollywood leading man to an estimate of $60 million.
Height and Other Body Measurements
Patrick Dempsey stands at a height of 5 feet 10½ inches (179 cm). Over the years, Dempsey has maintained his trim physique and has morphed from the young college charmer of the 80s into a bonafide Hollywood hunk. His body measurements are 39-15-32 inches (99-38-31 cm). The Grey’s Anatomy star also maintains his body weight at 77 kg (170 lb).
