- Patrick Dempsey
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Patrick Dempsey 
Dempsey presenting Made of Honor in Madrid, 2008.Born Patrick Galen Dempsey
January 13, 1966
Lewiston, Maine, USOccupation Actor/Race car driver Years active 1985–present Spouse Rocky Parker (1987–94)
Jillian Fink (1999–present)Patrick Galen Dempsey (born January 13, 1966) is an American actor, known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd ("McDreamy") on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Prior to Grey's Anatomy he made several television appearances and was nominated for an Emmy Award. He has also appeared in several films, including Sweet Home Alabama, Made of Honor, Valentine's Day, Flypaper and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
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Early life
Dempsey was born in Lewiston, Maine, and grew up in Buckfield, Maine, the youngest of three children born to Amanda and William Dempsey.[1][2] He has Irish ancestry.[3] He attended Buckfield High School and St. Dominic Regional High School.[4] He was an adept juggler, tying for second in a national juggling competition.[5] He was also an accomplished skier and while in high school won the Maine state slalom championship.
As a child, Dempsey attended Camp Wekeela located in Hartford, Maine.
Dempsey was diagnosed with dyslexia at age twelve. He told Barbara Walters on her 2008 Oscar special that he thinks dyslexia "made him what he is today." “It’s given me a perspective of — you have to keep working,” Dempsey told Walters. “I have never given up.”[6]
Career
Early career
Dempsey was discovered by an invitation to audition for a role in the stage production of Torch Song Trilogy. His audition was successful, and he spent the following four months touring with the company in Philadelphia. Dempsey also appeared on ABC family on a show Overnight Success by Teri DeSario, where he sings and juggles. He followed this with another tour, Brighton Beach Memoirs, in the lead role, which was directed by Gene Saks. Dempsey has also made notable appearances in the stage productions of On Golden Pond, with the Maine Acting Company, and as Timmy (the Martin Sheen role) in a 1990 Off-Broadway revival of The Subject Was Roses co-starring with John Mahoney and Dana Ivey at the Roundabout Theatre in New York.
Dempsey's first major feature film role was at age 21 with Beverly D'Angelo in the movie In The Mood, the true World War II story about Ellsworth Wisecarver who had relationships with older married women which created a national uproar. This was followed by the teen comedy Can't Buy Me Love in 1987 with actress Amanda Peterson and Some Girls with Jennifer Connelly in 1988. This film was a flop. In 1989, he had the lead role in the film Loverboy with actress Kirstie Alley and Happy Together with actress Helen Slater. Although the teen comedy and romance roles led to Dempsey being somewhat typecast for a time, he was able to avoid playing the same character as his career progressed[citation needed].
1990s and 2000s
Dempsey made a number of featured appearances in television in the 1990s; he was cast several times in pilots that were not picked up for a full season, including lead roles in the TV versions of the films The Player and About A Boy. However he received good reviews[citation needed] as he portrayed real-life mob boss, Meyer Lansky in 1991, when Mobsters was put on the screen. His first major television role was a recurring role as Will's closeted sportscaster boyfriend on Will & Grace. He went on to play the role of Aaron Brooks, Lily & Judy's psychologically unbalanced brother, on Once & Again. Dempsey received an Emmy nomination in 2001 as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for the role of Aaron. In 1993, he played a young John F. Kennedy in the 2-part TV mini-series JFK: Reckless Youth. In 2004, he co-starred in the highly acclaimed HBO production, Iron Jawed Angels, opposite Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston. He also appeared as special guest star in The Practice for 3 episodes finale season (8x13-8x15), as a married man who murdered his lover.
Dempsey had a high-profile role as the fiance of Reese Witherspoon's character in Sweet Home Alabama. He also had a role as Detective Kincaid on Scream 3. When Scream 4 was officially announced, it was speculated Dempsey would return. But in late April, writer Kevin Williamson confirmed the 3 main cast members who had survived the other 3 movies were the only returning characters. Dempsey's most recent roles include the 2007 Disney film Enchanted, and the Paramount Pictures film Freedom Writers where he reunites with his Iron Jawed Angels co-star Hilary Swank. He also voiced the character Kenai in Brother Bear 2.
Dempsey starred in the 2008 film Made of Honor as Tom, and appeared in 2010's romantic comedy Valentine's Day; the latter film, directed by Garry Marshall, follows five interconnecting stories about Los Angelinos anticipating (or in some cases dreading) the holiday of love.[7]
Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the prize-winning novel The Art of Racing in the Rain in July 2009, for Dempsey to star in.[8] The project has not been able to find a director.[9] Dempsey starred as antagonist Dylan Gould in the 2011 movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon.[10][11]
Grey's Anatomy
Main article: Grey's AnatomyDempsey has received significant public attention for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in the drama Grey's Anatomy. Prior to landing the role of Derek Shepherd, Dempsey auditioned for the role of Dr. Gregory House on another medical show, House. Initially a midseason replacement, the show was very well received and has become a highly rated program. Dempsey's character Derek is often referred to as "McDreamy" and has received press attention for his sex appeal and the character's romance with resident and now-wife Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo). Dempsey also appeared in one episode of Private Practice, playing the same character as in Grey's Anatomy.[12]
Dempsey was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama at the 2006 Golden Globes for the role. His success on the show has led to his becoming a spokesman for Mazda and State Farm Insurance. Regarding the eighth season, Dempsey stated that, "It will be my last. I do not know about the other characters. But for me it's over."[13][14][15] But, after this comment stirred up some fans, his publicist released a statement saying that Dempsey's comments were somewhat taken out of context. His rep claims that he was referring to his contract ending next season and that it's uncertain what he will do next. On June 30, 2011 Dempsey announced on Lopez Tonight that he will be returning to the show for season 8.
Other work
He has been the face of L'Oreal and Versace and was featured in ads for Serengeti sun glasses. In November 2008 he launched an Avon fragrance named Unscripted, and due to its success a second fragrance named Patrick Dempsey 2 was launched in October 2009.[dated info]
Personal life
Dempsey was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 12. As a result, it is necessary for him to memorize all his lines in order to perform, even for auditions where he was unlikely to get the part.[16][17]
Entertainment Weekly put Dempsey's hair on its end-of-the-decade "best-of" list, saying, "What made Grey's Anatomy a mega-medi-hit? It could have something to do with creator Shonda Rhimes' scalpel-sharp writing…or McDreamy's impossibly luxurious man hair. Just saying."[18]
Marriages and family
He has been married twice. In 1987, he married actress and acting coach Rocky Parker (born 26 February 1939 in Brooklyn, New York). She was his best friend's mother and appeared with Dempsey in the film In the Mood. The couple divorced in 1994.
On July 31, 1999, Dempsey married Jillian Fink. The couple have three children, daughter Tallulah Fyfe (born 20 February 2002) and twins Sullivan Patrick and Darby Galen (born 1 February 2007). The family resides in Malibu and also has a home in Texas. They own a farmhouse in Maine as well, but that property is currently for sale.
Race car driver
Dempsey at the 2008 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
Dempsey enjoys auto racing in his spare time, having driven the pace car in the Indianapolis 500, and raced in the Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car race and Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race. He was a co-owner of the Vision Racing IndyCar Series team and current owner of Dempsey Racing, which is presently racing two Mazda RX-8 cars in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series GT class. He participates in this series as often as his schedule allows, as he is unable to race while filming a movie due to insurance issues. In 2009, he raced a Team Seattle Advanced Engineering Ferrari F430 GT in the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans's GT2 class, and finished ninth in class.[19]
Dempsey announced he would be in the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona along with other races throughout the season in a Mazda RX-8.[20] Dempsey finished in third place in the GT Class of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Dempsey is also known to have a collection of sports and collector cars.
Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing and Dempsey Challenge
In 1997, Dempsey's mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was treated for the disease and had two relapses and had it treated another two times. In response to his mother's bouts with cancer, Dempsey helped start the Patrick Dempsey Center at Central Maine Medical Center in his home town of Lewiston, Maine. In October 2009 when Dempsey introduced the first Dempsey Challenge, registration was closed after reaching the goal of 3,500 cyclists, runners and walkers. The event raised more than $1 million for the cancer center. His mother was in the crowd as Dempsey finished his 50-mile ride.[21] The Challenge has since become an annual October event presented by Amgen in the Lewiston-Auburn area.[22]
Filmography
Film Year Film Role Notes 1985 The Stuff Underground Stuff buyer #2 Heaven Help Us Corbet 1986 Meatballs III: Summer Job Rudy 1987 Can't Buy Me Love Ronald Miller Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy In the Mood Ellsworth 'Sonny' Wisecarver 1988 Some Girls Michael In a Shallow Grave Daventry Limited release 1989 Loverboy Randy Bodek Happy Together Christopher Wooden 1990 Coupe de Ville Robert 'Bobby' Libner 1991 Mobsters Meyer Lansky Run Charlie Farrow 1993 Bank Robber Billy 1994 With Honors Everett Calloway Ava's Magical Adventure Jeffrey 1995 Outbreak Jimbo Scott 1997 Hugo Pool Floyd Gaylen Limited release 1998 Denial Sam The Treat Mike Jonathan Gems film There's No Fish Food in Heaven The Stranger aka Life in the Fast Lane 1999 Me and Will Fast Eddie 2000 Scream 3 Det. Mark Kincaid 2002 Sweet Home Alabama Andrew Hennings 2003 Lucky 7 Peter Connor The Emperor's Club Older Louis Masoudi 2004 Iron Jawed Angels Ben Weissman 2006 Brother Bear 2 Kenai Voice only Shade Paul Parker Short film 2007 Freedom Writers Scott Casey Enchanted Robert Philip Nominated—MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (with Amy Adams) 2008 Made of Honor Tom Bailey 2010 Valentine's Day Harrison Copeland Easy A Himself (in a scene taken from Can't Buy Me Love) 2011 Transformers: Dark of the Moon Dylan Gould Flypaper Tripp Television Year Title Role Notes 1986 A Fighting Choice Kellin Taylor TV movie Fast Times Mike Damone Television series 1989 The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! The Plant 1 episode 1990 The General Motors Playwrights Theater 1 episode "Merry Christmas, Baby" 1993 For Better and for Worse Robert Faldo TV movie JFK: Reckless Youth John F. Kennedy Miniseries 1995 Bloodknot Tom TV movie 1996 The Right to Remain Silent Tom Harris TV movie A Season in Purgatory Harrison Burns Miniseries 1997 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Pierre Arronax Miniseries The Escape Clayton TV movie The Player Griffin Mill TV movie 1998 The Bible: Jeremiah Jeremiah TV movie Crime and Punishment Raskolnikov 2000 Will and Grace Matthew 2000–2001 (3 episodes) 2000 Once and Again Aaron Brooks 2000–2002 (4 episodes)
Nominated—Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series2001 Blonde Cass Miniseries Karen Sisco Carl 1 episode About a Boy Carl TV movie 2004 Iron Jawed Angels Ben Weissman TV movie The Practice Dr. Paul Stewart 3 episodes 2005–present Grey's Anatomy Dr. Derek Shepherd 2005–present (146 episodes)
Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast in a Drama Series (2006)
People's Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Star (2007, 2008)
Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series (2005, 2006)
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast in a Drama Series (2006, 2008)
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series (2005)
Nominated—People's Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Star (2009)2009 Private Practice Dr. Derek Shepherd TV episode ("The Ex-Life") References
- ^ "Patrick Dempsey Biography (1956–)". Filmreference.com. http://www.filmreference.com/film/72/Patrick-Dempsey.html. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ Dunham, Chris (2009-07-11). "'McDreamy' Could Have Been a Schlossnagle". Genealogywise.com. http://www.genealogywise.com/profiles/blogs/mcdreamy-could-have-been-a. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ "100 Top Irish-Americans!!!". Rincenatiarna. 2006-03-17. http://www.rincenatiarna.com/archives.cfm. Retrieved 2007-01-08.
- ^ Dempsey Challenge website bio. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ 1981 Juniors Championship of the International Jugglers' Association (IJA), http://www.juggle.org/history/champs/champs1981.php
- ^ "‘Grey’s Anatomy's’ Dempsey has dyslexia". MSN. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11610814.
- ^ Matt Mitovich (8 July 2009). "Grey's Stars Dempsey and Dane Celebrate Valentine's Day". TVGuide.com. http://movies.tvguide.com/Movie-News/Dempsey-Dane-Valentines-1007819.aspx. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
- ^ Fleming, Michael (July 15, 2009), "Dempsey shifts gears for Universal", Variety
- ^ Boucher, Geoff (July 25, 2011), "Dempsey hopes to leave 'McDreamy' in rearview", Chicago Tribune
- ^ "Patrick Dempsey & Transformers – McDreamy’s Transforming Role". National Ledger. May 6, 2010. http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272631647.shtml. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
- ^ "Patrick Dempsey: From McDreamy To ‘Transformers 3’". Access Hollywood. 2010-05-11. http://www.accesshollywood.com/patrick-dempsey-from-mcdreamy-to-transformers-3_article_31946. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ "Greys Anatomy". Grey's Anatomy = ____.
- ^ Jacobbi, Paola (May 31, 2011). "Patrick Dempsey, "Grey's Anatomy farewell". Italian Vanity Fair. http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=it&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanityfair.it%2Fpeople%2Fmondo%2F2011%2F05%2F31%2Fpatrick-dempsey-greys-anatomy&act=url. Retrieved June 1, 2011. Pg. 2/10
- ^ Chaney, Jen (June 1, 2011). "Joey McIntyre and wife welcome baby girl; Patrick Dempsey leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/joey-mcintyre-and-wife-welcome-baby-girl-patrick-dempsey-leaving-greys-anatomy/2011/06/01/AGHgOFGH_blog.html. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (May 31, 2011). "Patrick Dempsey On Grey's Anatomy Future: Season 8 Will Be 'My Last'". TV Line. http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/patrick-dempsey-greys-anatomy-leaving-vanity-fair/. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
- ^ USA WEEKEND Magazine[dead link]
- ^ Hitti, Miranda (2006-03-02). "Patrick Dempsey Reveals His Dyslexia". Webmd.com. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20060302/patrick-dempsey-reveals-his-dyslexia. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ Geier, Thom, Jeff Jensen, Tina Jordan, Margaret Lyons, Adam Markovitz, Chris Nashawaty, Whitney Pastorek, Lynette Rice, Josh Rottenberg, Missy Schwartz, Michael Slezak, Dan Snierson, Tim Stack, Kate Stroup, Ken Tucker, Adam B. Vary, Simon Vozick-Levinson, and Kate Ward "100 Greatest Movies, TV Shows, and More: ... 69. Patrick Dempsey's hair", Entertainment Weekly, December 11, 2009, (1079/1080):74-84. Retrieved 2011-01-13.
- ^ Leveridge, Adam (2009-04-01). "Gigawave replaced by SAE at Le Mans". Autosport.com. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74133. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ Pettit, Vince (2010-12-01). "Patrick Dempsey Returns to Track". The Checkered Flag. http://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2010/12/patrick-dempsey-returns-to-track. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ "Thousands Enjoy Dempsey Challenge". WMTW.com. 2009-10-05. http://www.wmtw.com/r/21200685/detail.html. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
- ^ "The Dempsey Challenge". www.dempseychallenge.org. http://www.dempseychallenge.org/about-the-dempsey-challenge. Retrieved 2011-04-22.
External links
- Patrick Dempsey at the Internet Movie Database
- Patrick Dempsey at Yahoo! Movies
- Patrick Dempsey at People.com
- Patrick Dempsey's biography by ABC
- Patrick Dempsey interview at reviewgraveyard.com
- Men's Vogue's June 2008 cover story on Dempsey
Grey's Anatomy Characters
(cast members)Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) · Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) · Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) · Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) · George O'Malley (T.R. Knight) · Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) · Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.) · Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) · Callie Torres (Sara Ramírez) · Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) · Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) · Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith) · Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) · Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) · Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) · April Kepner (Sarah Drew) · Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) · Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington) · Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey)Shonda Rhimes (creator) · Awards and nominations · Soundtrack ("Chasing Cars" • "How to Save a Life" • "The Story" • "Breathe In, Breathe Out") · Video game · Private PracticeCategories:- 1966 births
- American film actors
- American racecar drivers
- American stage actors
- American voice actors
- American television actors
- Indy Racing League owners
- American people of Irish descent
- Jugglers
- Living people
- Actors from Maine
- People from Lewiston, Maine
- 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- 24 Hours of Daytona drivers
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