Star of Grey’s Anatomy Patrick Dempsey discusses the biggest influence of his time on the program, where he played leading man Derek Shepherd in the first episode.
The actor explores the pivotal on-again, off-again relationship between Ellen Pompeo’s character Meredith and Derek, which developed over the course of the early seasons and resulted in marriage and children.
After Dempsey left Grey’s Anatomy in season 11, Derek tragically died in a car accident. But in season 17, he made a few guest appearances, helping to build a plot in which Meredith, fighting COVID, meets up with Derek and other departed characters.
Grey’s Anatomy has given Patrick Dempsey professional and personal development
In an interview with Good Morning America, Dempsey covered a wide range of topics, including his upcoming movie, Ferrari, his recent victory as Sexiest Man Alive, and his involvement with The Dempsey Center, a nonprofit that provides care and support to people with cancer.
Throughout the process, the actor acknowledged Grey’s Anatomy’s significant impact on both his professional and personal growth and gave it credit.
Many people have drawn significant inspiration to pursue careers in medicine from Grey’s Anatomy. Personally, it has allowed Dempsey to participate in movies like Ferrari and claim the title of Sexiest Man Alive. The most important gift from his time on the show, according to Patrick Dempsey, has been the opportunity to support others and take part in charitable endeavors.
Is Patrick Dempsey Going to Be Back on Grey’s Anatomy?
Fans were taken aback when they learned that Patrick Dempsey was leaving Grey’s Anatomy. Derek’s role in season 11 was somewhat reduced due to a job in Washington, D.C., but his relationship with Meredith remained crucial to the story.
Many believed that Dempsey would stay on the show through season 12 because he was also in the middle of a two-year contract. However, comments made by Dempsey and other cast members in the years following his exit implied that the actor was dissatisfied with Grey’s Anatomy’s demanding shooting schedule, which may have led to issues on set.
For a while, the likelihood of Dempsey returning to Grey’s Anatomy seemed slim, given both off-screen circumstances and Derek’s on-screen demise. This contributed to the surprise when Meredith and Derek reunited in 2021.
However, now that Dempsey has expressed a willingness to return and gratitude for the opportunities the show has provided him, the prospect of another appearance seems more plausible than it did in the past.
Patrick Dempsey was primarily concerned about the longer workdays
Although Patrick Dempsey was primarily concerned about the longer workdays, this didn’t necessarily mean that he wouldn’t make cameos in one or two episodes. Derek’s death on screen presents a problem, though, as it limits the number of possible storylines.
Moreover, Dempsey’s return could be postponed until the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy since Derek’s reunion would most likely involve Meredith, given that Ellen Pompeo is reducing the number of her appearances on the show. But Dempsey’s positive remarks about his time on the show give fans hope that Derek will return before Grey’s Anatomy concludes.
More about Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey is an American actor and race car driver best known for his 2005–2015 run as neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on the ABC medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. Among his notable credits are lead roles in romantic comedies, like the popular Enchanted (2007).
Dempsey’s stellar career has earned him nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Remarkably, he was crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2023.
Dempsey started his acting career with parts in films like Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and Loverboy (1989). Over the years, he has acted in a number of romantic comedies, such as Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016), Made of Honor (2008), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), and Valentine’s Day (2010).
