Bio
A New Englander, Patrick Dempsey was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Irish-American parents. He grew up in nearby Buckfield, Maine, graduating from Buckfield High School. While in high school, he placed third in a National Juggling Competition.
He made his acting debut in 1985 with a part in the movie Heaven Help Us. In 1987, he played a janitor, Rudy, in Meatballs 3. Shortly thereafter, he married actress and manager Rocky Parker, 27 years his senior. She had a son who was best friends with (and a year older than) Dempsey.
With Can't Buy Me Love, he achieved major movie star status in 1987. The "geek-to-popular" type comedy launched him and co-star Amanda Peterson to teen idol status, and in 1989, he turned in another strong performance in Loverboy, playing a pizza delivery guy.
But Dempsey's time in the limelight was short-lived, with his work during the 1990s consisting mostly of critically-panned box-office bombs, straight to video releases or TV movies. However, he did appear in the successful Mobsters (1991), JFK: Reckless Youth (1993) -- in which he played John F. Kennedy -- as well as With Honors (1994) and Outbreak (1995).
His luck turned around when he married his second wife, Jillian Fink, in 1999. Their daughter, Tallulah, was born in 2002. That same year, Dempsey played the fiancee of Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama.
He auditioned for the starring role in the popular series House, M.D. (which later went to Hugh Laurie) before landing the role of Dr. Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy. He's come full circle with show's popularity, and has gained new respect for fame.
In 2007, Patrick and Jillian Dempsey welcomed twin sons Darby and Sullivan. Patrick Dempsey has appeared in more than 40 films to date, most recently Enchanted and Made of Honor.
In his free time, he enjoys collecting antiques, remodeling homes and skiing in his spare time. He is co-owner of the Indycar Series team Vision Racing.
News
Patrick Dempsey Juggles on Good Morning America (10/29/2009)
Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey shows off his many talents on ABC's Good Morning America.
Hello From Shonda Rhimes and Patrick Dempsey on Twitter (8/27/2009)
Shonda Rhimes has posted a Patrick Dempsey photo on Twitter. Nothing wrong with that!
Patrick Dempsey Would Have Liked a McBaby (8/3/2009)
Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey says he would like (or would have liked) to see Meredith Grey pregnant on Grey's Anatomy.
Vitals
Full Name: Patrick Galen Dempsey
Birthplace: Lewiston, Maine
Age: 43
Birthday: January 13, 1966
Rating: 9.5 / 10
Pictures
Videos
October 3rd, 2008 12:47 AM
Please contact me regaurding Patrick and Jillian's Publicist Information at (323) 399-2020.
Thank you,
Richard Merrill
November 8th, 2008 9:09 PM
I am a huge fan of the grey's anatomy tv series especially the love team of Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo as Dr.Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd and Meredith Grey, I just would like to say to the production to keep up the good work and may you have more interesting and amazing stories about the lives of the cast of grey's and also in the world of medicine as well. More Power and God bless you all!
November 18th, 2008 5:53 PM
Is this the last season of Greys??
November 21st, 2008 1:37 AM
November 20, 2008
Dear Mr. Dempsey,
I hope you will get a moment to read my letter although from the thousands of fans you undoubtedly hear from, I know my chances are similar to winning the lottery – then again you can’t win if you don’t play! I’m not sure I am a typical fan, because first of all, I’m forty years old, the mother of three energetic boys, ages 6, 7, and 8, and I consider myself lucky if I have five consecutive minutes to watch Grey’s Anatomy while trying to get my guys to finish homework, take a shower, brush their teeth, and read a book before it’s lights out. We also can’t afford movie nights out (babysitters aren’t in the budget) so I try to squeeze in watching one of your movies on DVD on weekends. Unfortunately, I’m competing with Star Wars, Pokemon, and SpongeBob Square pants. Now is the time that I get to the reason for this letter.
While looking through a catalogue, lo and behold, I saw that you have a perfume that you endorse. That got my marketing powers churning, so I decided to become an Avon representative and I am planning an Open House for my clients on December 7and the 13th . I know its short notice, but I would truly love to have some photos of you, autographed or not, as incentives to get more women to try out the product. I am ordering several samples for their ultimate experience –first hand. The only thing better would be to have you there to spray it on them – just kidding! I really hope you can help me out, because I would like to kick start my business with a combination of creativity and pizzazz, qualities you embody as an actor, since I believe you are not just another pretty face.
I do hope to hear from you or your representative as soon as possible, and thank you so much for taking the time to read and consider this proposition.
Sincerely,
Karla Lauer
karlalauer@sbcglobal.net
www.youravon.com/karlalauer
400 Reserve Drive
Crystal Lake, IL. 60012
815.382.1997
November 30th, 2008 3:14 PM
I am like very of Patrick Dempsey, the is my actor predilect.
I love you very very very... Patrick.Congratulações.
Rafaela
December 9th, 2008 2:28 PM
I LOVE GREY'S ANATOMY AND PATRICK DEMPSEY! HE ISS MCDREAMY!
December 10th, 2008 2:34 AM
Patrick Dempsey is so friggin hot. I love Derek so much!
December 25th, 2008 6:34 PM
hi
I just love you i dont know why but i guess i cant live without thinking of you .every person around the world can come and see you but i cant i live in iran
can you just tell me a reason that you read this i just have my pass friend and you in my cell phone cause i love you both to die i dont have her anymore but i have you i beg you to read this
your faithful
ELNAZ
December 29th, 2008 4:03 AM
i love grey's anatomy...mst of all i love patrick dempsey!!
December 29th, 2008 4:04 AM
i love grey's anatomy...mst of all i love patrick dempsey!!