Patrick Dempsey Discusses Departure from Hit Series Grey’s Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey recently shared insights about his departure from the acclaimed medical series Grey’s Anatomy, where he portrayed the beloved Dr. Derek Shepherd, also known as McDreamy. Dempsey, who was among the original cast members, left the show during its 11th season after nearly a decade on air since its debut in 2005.
Reasons Behind Dempsey’s Exit from Grey’s Anatomy
In a recent interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, Dempsey explained his decision to step away, stating, “It was time to walk away.” He felt compelled to pursue his passion for racing, participating in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Dempsey notably achieved first place in a six-hour endurance race in Japan shortly after departing from the series.
Reflecting on his time with the show, he acknowledged its significance, claiming, “For me, it’s been a blessing.” He noted the impact the series had on inspiring many young individuals to enter the medical field, stating, “That’s a great thing.”
Dempsey’s Life Beyond Grey’s Anatomy
Patrick Dempsey has maintained a low profile regarding his children’s exposure to the series. He expressed, “I kept them as far away as possible,” emphasizing that they have been “very direct” in their opinions.
Moreover, the success of Grey’s Anatomy benefited his charitable efforts. Dempsey opened the Dempsey Centre in his hometown, Lewiston, Maine, which provides free holistic support to cancer patients. Motivated by his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer, the center focuses on treating the person holistically rather than the disease itself.
Services Offered by the Dempsey Centre
- Nutritional care
- Counseling services
- Fitness classes
- Integrative therapies
He elaborated, “You come out of surgery and your treatment, you may be cured but you’re not healed, and that’s where we come in.” Dempsey’s commitment to both his acting career and philanthropic endeavors is evident in his ongoing contributions.
Current Projects and Personal Life
In addition to his charity work, Patrick Dempsey is making headlines for being named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2023, a title he described as “quite a shock” at his age. He has starred in numerous romantic comedies, building a reputation for playing charismatic leads in films like Enchanted (2007) and Bridget Jones’ Baby (2016).
Currently, Dempsey headlines a new U.S. crime drama titled Memory Of A Killer, where he portrays a character juggling the complexities of being a family man and a hitman. His diverse career continues to evolve, offering fans a glimpse of his multifaceted talents.
