Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey is recognized for his pivotal role in the career of Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd in the long-running medical drama series. Grey’s Anatomy. Dempsey’s long stint on Grey’s Anatomy has earned him numerous accolades, including 2 Actors Guild Awards, 2 Audience Awards, as well as 2 Golden Globe nominations.

In the ’80s, Dempsey honed the character of “awkward Prince Charming” with roles in romantic comedies like I Can’t Buy Me Love, Loverboy, Happy Together among several others. He also showed his fun side in 2002’s Sweet Home Alabama and more recently appeared in the Disney musical 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 Side of the Moon (2011).

Age, early childhood and background details

Patrick Galen Dempsey was born on January 13, 1966, in Lewiston, Maine. Her father, William Allen Dempsey, worked as an insurance broker and her mother, Amanda (née Casson), a school secretary. Dempsey has European roots as his father has German, English, Scottish and Swedish heritage. He was raised in Buckfield, Maine alongside two older siblings.

Patrick Dempsey was educated at St. Dominic Regional High School and later moved on to Buckfield High School. However, he was unable to complete his bachelor’s degree. Growing up, Dempsey knew how to juggle very well and he participated in several juggling competitions. In 1981, he participated in the International Jugglers Association Championship, where he placed first runner-up to legendary juggler Anthony Gatto.

Much like juggling, acting came naturally to young Patrick Dempsey. He started his career as a theater actor in his hometown and also toured other cities. In 1985, Dempsey scored his debut in the comedy film Heaven Help Us. This was quickly followed by roles in Meatballs III: Summer Job and Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Colors: A Decisive Choice both in 1986. He also 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: The Reckless Youth (1993). In 2001, he received an Emmy Award nomination for his guest starring role on the highly acclaimed series, Aaron Brook. Again. The talented actor also starred alongside Reese Witherspoon in the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama (2002) 

Patrick Dempsey’s starring TV role is as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the hit medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. His epic portrayal of the character has earned him many rave reviews, including 2 consecutive Golden Globe nominations, 2 SAG Awards, and several more. Dempsey’s stint as Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy ended in 2015 after an 11-season run. On the big screen, Patrick Dempsey also received accolades for his role in the box office hit musical Enchanted (2007).

In addition to his illustrious acting career, Patrick Dempsey is also very experienced in motor racing. According to the talented actor who has participated in several professional and amateur races, motorsport is for him much more than a hobby. Dempsey actually plans to become a full-time racing driver if he ever retires from his position.

Patrick Dempsey (family, wife and children)

The Hollywood star is currently married to Jillian Fink, a hairstylist and makeup professional. The couple tied the knot on July 31, 1999. After nearly 16 years of marriage, Jillian Fink filed for divorce in early 2015. The grounds for the divorce filing were not disclosed. However, the two settled their differences and patched up their relationship before the end of the year. The divorce petition was officially struck out 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 gap of 27 years 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 April 26, 1994. Rocky Parker died 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 two new family members, 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 television actors at the time. In addition to his illustrious small-screen career, Dempsey has also been featured in several box office hits, including Disney’s Enchanted (2007) as well as Michael Bay ‘s Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon (2011). All of these perks, along with several other juicy deals, bring this Hollywood A-list man’s net worth to $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 transformed from young 80s college flirt to Hollywood hunk. Its body measures 99-38-31 cm (39-15-32 inches). The Grey’s Anatomy star also maintains his body weight at 77 kg (170 lb).