History of Patrick Dempsey in Timeline
Patrick Dempsey is an American actor famous for playing Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on the television show Grey's Anatomy. He was on the show from 2005 to 2015 and again from 2020 to 2021. He has also starred in romantic comedies like Enchanted. Dempsey's work has earned him nominations for awards such as the Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Awards. He was also chosen as People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 2023.
January 13, 1966: Birth of Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Galen Dempsey was born on January 13, 1966.
1981: Juggling Championship
Patrick Dempsey placed second in the International Jugglers' Association Championship in the Juniors category in 1981.
August 24, 1987: Dempsey Marries Rochelle "Rocky" Parker
On August 24, 1987, at the age of 21, Patrick Dempsey married actress and acting coach Rochelle "Rocky" Parker, who was 48 at the time.
1987: Film Debut
Patrick Dempsey appeared in his first major film roles in 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'Meatballs III: Summer Job' in 1987.
1988: Some Girls Release
Patrick Dempsey appeared in the film 'Some Girls' with Jennifer Connelly in 1988.
1989: Lead Role in Loverboy
Patrick Dempsey starred in the film 'Loverboy' in 1989.
1990: Off-Broadway Performance
Patrick Dempsey starred in an off-Broadway revival of 'The Subject Was Roses' in 1990 at the Roundabout Theatre in New York.
1991: Mobsters
Patrick Dempsey portrayed Meyer Lansky in the film 'Mobsters' in 1991.
1993: JFK: Reckless Youth
Patrick Dempsey played a young John F. Kennedy in the miniseries 'JFK: Reckless Youth' in 1993.
April 26, 1994: Dempsey and Parker Divorce
After seven years of marriage, Patrick Dempsey and Rochelle "Rocky" Parker divorced on April 26, 1994.
1995: Outbreak
Patrick Dempsey appeared in the film 'Outbreak' in 1995.
1997: Dempsey's Mother Diagnosed with Cancer
In 1997, Patrick Dempsey's mother, Amanda, received a cancer diagnosis, a life-changing event that profoundly impacted Dempsey and inspired his future philanthropic endeavors.
July 31, 1999: Dempsey Marries Jillian Fink
Patrick Dempsey married makeup artist Jillian Fink on July 31, 1999, marking the beginning of his second marriage.
2000: Scream 3
Patrick Dempsey appeared in 'Scream 3' in 2000.
2001: Emmy Nomination
Patrick Dempsey received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in 'Once & Again' in 2001.
2002: Sweet Home Alabama
Patrick Dempsey co-starred in the film 'Sweet Home Alabama' in 2002.
2004: Iron Jawed Angels
Patrick Dempsey co-starred in the HBO film 'Iron Jawed Angels' in 2004.
2005: Grey's Anatomy Debut
Patrick Dempsey first appeared as Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd in the ABC medical drama series Grey's Anatomy in 2005.
2005: Dempsey Ranked Second in "Sexiest Men Alive"
Patrick Dempsey's popularity soared in 2005 when People magazine ranked him second on their annual "Sexiest Men Alive" list, solidifying his status as a heartthrob.
2006: Dempsey's Continued Sex Appeal
Dempsey's charm continued to captivate audiences in 2006 as he once again earned a spot among People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive."
2006: Golden Globe Nomination
Patrick Dempsey was nominated for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama at the 2006 Golden Globe Awards for his role in Grey's Anatomy.
2007: Enchanted Premiere
Patrick Dempsey starred in the Disney film Enchanted, which was released in 2007.
November 2008: Dempsey Launches "Unscripted" Fragrance with Avon
In November 2008, Dempsey entered the world of fragrances by launching his own scent, "Unscripted," in collaboration with Avon, expanding his brand beyond acting.
2008: Discussing Dyslexia
In 2008, Patrick Dempsey spoke about his experiences with dyslexia with Barbara Walters.
2008: Made of Honor Premiere
Patrick Dempsey starred in the film 'Made of Honor' in 2008.
June 2009: Dempsey Releases Second Avon Fragrance
Following the success of his first fragrance, Dempsey released his second scent, "Patrick Dempsey 2," with Avon in June 2009, further solidifying his presence in the fragrance industry.
July 2009: Universal Acquires The Art of Racing in the Rain
Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the novel 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' in July 2009, initially planning for Patrick Dempsey to star in the film adaptation.
October 2009: Dempsey Launches First Dempsey Challenge for Cancer Center
In October 2009, Patrick Dempsey organized the inaugural Dempsey Challenge, a fundraising event for the Dempsey Center, attracting thousands of participants and raising over $1 million for cancer support.
2009: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Purchases Tully's Online Business
In 2009, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters acquired the online business of Tully's Coffee, separating it from the physical stores that Dempsey's company would later purchase.
2009: Dempsey's Debut at 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 2009, Patrick Dempsey made his debut at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race, showcasing his dedication to competitive motorsports. He achieved a commendable ninth-place finish in his class.
2010: Dempsey's Fragrance Wins FiFi Award
In 2010, Dempsey's fragrance, "Patrick Dempsey 2," received recognition from the Fragrance Foundation, winning the FiFi Award for "Men's Private Label/Direct Sell."
2010: Valentine's Day
Patrick Dempsey appeared in the film 'Valentine's Day' in 2010.
2011: Dempsey's Podium Finish at Rolex 24 at Daytona
Patrick Dempsey secured a third-place finish in the GT Class of the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2011, demonstrating his growing skill and competitiveness in endurance racing.
2011: Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Patrick Dempsey appeared in 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' in 2011.
2011: TV's Sexiest Men
BuddyTV ranked Patrick Dempsey #1 on its list of 'TV's Sexiest Men of 2011'.
September 29, 2012: Dempsey Stars in Mexican Cable Campaign
On September 29, 2012, Patrick Dempsey appeared in a unique advertising campaign for Mexican cable companies, showcasing his diverse appeal and international recognition.
2012: Dempsey Forms Dempsey Racing Team
In 2012, Dempsey took a significant step in his racing career by forming his own team, Dempsey Racing, to compete in the American Le Mans Series, marking his transition from driver to team owner.
January 2013: Dempsey's Company Purchases Tully's Coffee
In January 2013, Dempsey's company, Global Baristas, acquired Tully's Coffee, a Seattle-based coffee chain, outbidding competitors like Starbucks, demonstrating his business acumen.
2013: Dempsey Becomes the Face of Silhouette Eyewear
In 2013, Patrick Dempsey added another brand partnership to his portfolio, becoming the face of Silhouette eyewear, a move that aligned with his stylish persona.
2013: Dempsey Receives Honorary Doctorate from Bowdoin College
In 2013, Patrick Dempsey received an honorary doctorate from Bowdoin College, recognizing his philanthropic efforts and connecting his "Grey's Anatomy" character, Derek Shepherd, to the institution.
2013: Dempsey's Desire for Full-Time Racing
In 2013, before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Patrick Dempsey expressed his desire to transition into full-time racing, revealing his serious commitment to the sport.
2013: Considering Leaving Acting
Patrick Dempsey considered leaving acting to pursue motorsports full-time in 2013.
2013: Dempsey's Return to Le Mans and Fourth-Place Finish
Patrick Dempsey returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013, four years after his debut, and achieved a commendable fourth-place finish in his class, highlighting his progress as an endurance driver.
January 2014: Grey's Anatomy Contract Renewal
Patrick Dempsey signed a two-year contract to remain on Grey's Anatomy in January 2014.
March 24, 2014: Dempsey's Mother, Amanda, Passes Away
On March 24, 2014, Patrick Dempsey's mother, Amanda, who had battled cancer for many years, passed away at the age of 79.
2014: Dempsey's Passion for Motor Racing
In 2014, Patrick Dempsey shared his deep passion for motor racing, stating that it was not merely a hobby but an integral part of his identity. He emphasized how it consumed his thoughts and served as a source of motivation.
2014: Rochelle "Rocky" Parker Passes Away
Rochelle "Rocky" Parker, Patrick Dempsey's first wife, passed away in 2014.
January 2015: Dempsey and Fink File for Divorce
In January 2015, Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink filed for divorce, but later reconciled and remained married.
April 2015: Departure from Grey's Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey's character, Derek Shepherd, died in Grey's Anatomy in April 2015.
2015: Dempsey's Focus on FIA World Endurance Championship
In 2015, Dempsey shifted his focus to the FIA World Endurance Championship, competing with his team, Dempsey Racing-Proton, further demonstrating his commitment to top-tier motorsport.
November 12, 2016: Dempsey and Fink Reconcile After Divorce Filing
After a period of separation and a divorce filing in 2015, Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink reconciled, calling off their divorce on November 12, 2016.
2016: Bridget Jones's Baby
Patrick Dempsey co-starred in 'Bridget Jones's Baby' in 2016.
January 2017: Dempsey Appears in Vodafone Italy Commercials
Starting in January 2017, Dempsey appeared in commercials for Vodafone Italy, demonstrating his international appeal and expanding his reach within the European market.
May 28, 2017: Dempsey Receives Honorary Doctorate from Bates College
In recognition of his philanthropic work, particularly his contributions to the Dempsey Center, Patrick Dempsey received an honorary doctorate from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, on May 28, 2017.
2017: Red Nose Day Actually
Patrick Dempsey appeared in the 'Love Actually' sequel, 'Red Nose Day Actually', in 2017.
2018: Dempsey Designs Clothing Line for Bleusalt
In 2018, Dempsey ventured into fashion design, collaborating with Malibu-based brand Bleusalt to launch his own clothing line, showcasing his versatility beyond acting.
2018: The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair
Patrick Dempsey appeared in 'The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair' in 2018.
2019: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Patrick Dempsey starred in and produced the film 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' in 2019.
February 4, 2020: Ways & Means Casting
Patrick Dempsey was cast in the CBS political drama pilot 'Ways & Means' on February 4, 2020.
November 2020: Return to Grey's Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey returned to Grey's Anatomy in November 2020, marking his first appearance since his character's death in 2015.
2020: Return to Grey's Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey returned to Grey's Anatomy for a guest appearance in 2020 after his character's departure in 2015.
January 2021: Disenchanted Announcement
Patrick Dempsey's involvement in the 'Enchanted' sequel, 'Disenchanted', was announced in January 2021.
May 2021: Ways & Means Cancellation
CBS passed on the pilot for 'Ways & Means' in May 2021.
2022: Disenchanted Release
'Disenchanted' was released on Disney+ in late 2022.
2023: Dempsey Supports Lewiston Shooting Victims' Families
In 2023, Patrick Dempsey demonstrated his community support by participating in a charity softball tournament to raise funds for the families affected by the tragic shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
2023: Dempsey Named "Sexiest Man Alive"
In a testament to his enduring appeal, Patrick Dempsey was crowned People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in their November 20, 2023, issue.
2023: Thanksgiving and Ferrari
Patrick Dempsey appeared in the films 'Thanksgiving' and 'Ferrari' in 2023.
2023: People's Sexiest Man Alive
Patrick Dempsey was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2023.