He is, without a doubt, at the peak of his career as the leading man of Grey's Anatomy, but TV heart-throb Patrick Dempsey is not immune from pondering his life beyond Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd.
In a mid-morning interview on the Los Angeles set of Grey's Anatomy, a relaxed Dempsey imagines the future, when he will have had enough of the demands of the medical drama and can live quietly with his wife and kids.
His feelings have been shaped in large part by his wife, Jillian, giving birth in February to twin boys, Sullivan and Darby. He also has a five-year-old daughter, Talula.
"It's (the arrival of twins) daunting and overwhelming. I think it's going to be really fun," Dempsey says. "Eventually, at the end of this run of Grey's, it will be nice to retreat to the country and raise them in an environment that is much better than Los Angeles."
"I love family. I think it's the one thing that keeps me sane in all the craziness of what's going on with this show."
Patrick Dempsey, who works up to 16 hours a day on Grey's Anatomy, says it's nearly impossible to find an escape from the hype generated by the global success of the show.
Though he credits Grey's Anatomy with resurrecting his career, he has found it a challenge dealing with intense media scrutiny, particularly about cast unrest on the show.
Patrick Dempsey and co-star Isaiah Washington had a well-documented spat that ultimately led to Washington not being retained by the series.
"It (scrutiny) doesn't end," Dempsey says. "It's demanding and the exposure is unbelievable. I mean, it's worldwide, more so than any movie you'll ever do, I think.
"Coming at this point in my career, I have better tools to cope, but it's not always easy. I think everybody on the show is adjusting to the amount of attention and pressure and responsibility.
"We have our growing pains. I think we're coming together as a company in a really good way... supporting each other on our good days and bad days.
"Sadly, it (media scrutiny) is a sign of your success if they're coming after you and blowing things out of proportion."
Eager to bring some levity to the interview, Dempsey starts talking about the fun he's having with castmates, including Eric Dane, who, as Mark "McSteamy" Sloan has challenged Dempsey's heart-throb status.
Eric Dane's arrival, Dempsey says with a laugh, has prompted him to go on a diet and hit the gym.
Given one of Dane's first scenes featured him draped in a towel, Dempsey jokes it's only a matter of time before his friend appears in a Bed, Bath & Beyond calendar.
"He's ripped, certainly," Dempsey says. "I've been fasting since he's entered the show."
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24 Comments
August 8th, 2007 3:21 PM
Patrick is SO much HOTTER & SEXIER then Eric. Always was & always will be. He`s SO much better looking & his body well i can say is YUMMY. He has a seriously cute ass too
August 8th, 2007 3:36 PM
I dont get it, does that mean he is quiting show biz after grey's? because he is always talking about wanting to move to the country side. I mean he is just 42, so lets say grey's ends in season 6 or 7, what will he be doing with his life after that? racing cars and what riding horses? he will be bored after 2 or 3 years! More importantly does that mean he already has enough money to last him a life time? SERIOUSLY patrick dont go any where.
August 8th, 2007 3:44 PM
Gosh, I don't like to think about the show coming to an end, even though we all know that one day it will end...I can't even imagine what it would be like to get the attention that he gets every time he is seen in public! You know it has to get to you after a while, even though you are appreciative of your success, it still has to be hard at times as Patrick says. I hope they have several more years with the success of this show! As far as Patrick, I am so glad he has done so well with this show and
his career is bigger and better than ever! I think he is gorgeous in whatever he does and I hope we continue to see him on screen for a while longer before he chooses to head for the country!
August 8th, 2007 3:47 PM
i HATE to even think about the end. pat is 41 not 42. is this a sign?:( i hope not
August 8th, 2007 3:48 PM
I wonder what those comments mean too? Will that be it for him after Grey's? I can't imagine him throwing end the towel within the next few years. But he has always said he wanted to retire early! We need some clarification on some of those comments Patrick! We don't want you to go anywhere!
August 8th, 2007 3:55 PM
He has said this before. He looking to the future because he knows GA won't last forever. I know I can't even think about there being no more GA but we have to be realistic it won't go on forever. He will continue to act but I don't think he wants to do 16 hr. days forever. It does take alot away from his family which is most important to him. He also has other interest like racing so now he has so many options. He's a great guy who has his feet firmly on the ground.
August 8th, 2007 5:12 PM
I hate the idea of grey's coming to an end either. the show and the characters as well have become a hugh part of my life. Also, what will patrick be doing at the counrty side? (i know its peaceful and quite) but he cant race cars for ever.
August 8th, 2007 6:09 PM
Patrick has said this before and I guess its good that he knows what he looks forward to for his future with his family. Thats his goal! I think he has a good head on his shoulders. Patrick acts so appreciative for his opportunities and especially GA, which was a BIG surprise to the entire cast that it took off like it did! THey had NO idea going into this that it was going to turn out the way it did and would be on the air for several years. U think they are all under a 6 year contract at this point and actually, I would n't be surprised if it doesn't go longer than that, like 8 maybe or even 10. Who knows. But the success of this show makes me think it will be around for a few more years to come! and I think PD will stick around till the end!
Don't you guys??
August 8th, 2007 6:51 PM
ok, wow. I sure hope this doesn't mean he will be leaving the show. The show won't be the same without him. He's Meredith's (Elen Pompeo) love. If he leaves then there will be no romance in the show. I'm with Kathy! I think he will stick around until the end. If he really loves what he does, he will. And I think he loves it. He's an excellent actor and he is the sexiest thing on earth!
August 8th, 2007 7:39 PM
seriosuly. if he leaves i will just idk be done with greys. its my life but burke addison and derek?? i dont think i could handle that.