Patrick Dempsey is still enchanting hearts and fans. The star of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Enchanted” has been crowned People’s newest Sexiest Man Alive.
The 57-year-old “Ferrari” actor and real-life race car driver, said in this week’s People cover story that while he “was completely shocked” by the honor, he’s “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,” said the Emmy nominee, referencing The Dempsey Center, which he launched in honor of his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer.
The non-profit, which Dempsey founded in his home state of Maine, “provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost,” per the website.
Upon learning he was the latest to join the ranks of People’s sexiest men — taking the crown from fellow New Englander Chris Evans — Dempsey said the surprise was followed by “laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I’ve always been the bridesmaid.”
Despite his role as a longtime heartthrob, both on and off-screen, the “Made of Honor” star admitted he’d “completely forgotten” about the annual title “and never even contemplated being in this position.”
Dempsey — who starred in “Grey’s” as neurosurgeon Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd — said his three kids will surely “make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn’t be.
“Which is good, they keep me young,” Dempsey said of 21-year-old Talula and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby. He shares the trio with his wife of 24 years, makeup artist Jillian Dempsey, 57.
“I peaked many years ago,” he said, laughing. “But I’m still here.”
