Patrick Dempsey was named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive of 2023 on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night.
The 57-year-old former Grey’s Anatomy star appeared on the show while the cover of the issue was shown.
“Thank you so much,” the actor, who is father to 21-year-old daughter Tallula and 16-year-old twin sons Darby and Sullivan with his 57-year-old wife Jillian, said after being honored.
In a segment of the late-night show, Kimmel used “state-of-the-art hologram technology from our friends at Proto” and obscured the identity of the person called “Sexiest Man Alive,” who was later revealed to be Dempsey.
In a 20-question format, viewers asked the mystery man questions to narrow down the possible candidates for the honor. The questions revealed that the person was an actor over 50 years old, married and with three children.
The latest: Patrick Dempsey, 57, was named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive of 2023 on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night
The show featured an appearance by the former Grey’s Anatomy lead actor
Other answers suggested that the mystery man was neither Harry Styles nor Travis Kelce and had no tattoos.
The key question from an audience member was: “Are you Dr. McDreamy?” based on Dempsey’s character Dr. Derek Shepherd in the ABC hit.
When he sat down with Kimmel, the Ferrari star said, “I’m just glad they made a decision and it was me this year.”
Kimmel joked that it took the magazine a long time to honor Dempsey, who has been in show business for more than 35 years.
He said, “Why it took them so long is the only question I have…You get more beautiful every year…they waited; Like uncorking a bottle of fine wine, they decided to wait until the right year – next year will be a mess!’
Kimmel noted that the “Enchanted” actor has been close to receiving the honor in recent years, having appeared on two previous covers alongside fellow winners George Clooney and Matt Damon.
“Never give up on a dream,” Dempsey said.
Dempsey said his family laughed when they learned of the honor: “They said, ‘No, seriously, who is it?'” “No, it’s me.” Reality set in.’
The magazine released its annual issue cover on Tuesday evening
When he sat down with Kimmel, the Ferrari star said, “I’m just glad they made a decision, and this year it was me.”
Kimmel joked that it took the magazine a long time to honor Dempsey, who has been in show business for more than 35 years
The “Enchanted” actor had been close to receiving the honor in recent years, having appeared on two past covers along with other winners
In a segment of the late-night show, Kimmel used “state-of-the-art hologram technology from our friends at Proto” and obscured the identity of the person called “Sexiest Man Alive,” who was later revealed to be Dempsey
Dempsey said the magazine is keeping the winner’s identity top secret.
“You can’t talk about it at all,” he said. “You can’t mention it. “Everyone signs these non-disclosure agreements where you can’t say what they do.”
Dempsey said the professionals on the shoot knew why they were there and what they were working on: “The lighting is a little different, the energy, it’s electric.”
Dempsey joked that he fasted for a month before the photoshoot, adding that he “worked out” and eliminated “bread products” from his diet.
Kimmel noted how “upset” Dempsey was when Ryan Reynolds won the award in 2010, referencing a previous skit in which Dempsey had to be “berated” out of anger over the snub.
Dempsey joked: “The therapist was really nice to me after that… it took me about five years to work through that. “I had to stay away from him for a few years, yeah. Now I can somehow get closer to him.’
Kimmel asked Dempsey “if last year’s Sexiest Man, Chris Evans, called to admit,” to which Dempsey replied, “No, I haven’t spoken to him yet; I hope I get a call when I leave the stage.’
Dempsey said of the flattering award: “You have to enjoy the moment when it happens – the year goes by so quickly.”
Dempsey said the magazine is keeping the winner’s identity top secret, adding: “You’re not allowed to talk about it at all.”
Dempsey said the professionals at the shoot knew why they were there and what top secret project they were working on
Dempsey said of the flattering award: “You have to enjoy the moment when it happens – the year goes by so quickly.”
In an article for the magazine, Dempsey said he was “glad it’s happening now at this point in his life.”
“It’s nice to have the recognition and my ego certainly takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.”
Those positive causes include the Dempsey Center, the Lewiston, Maine, facility he opened in 2008 and named in memory of his late mother, Amanda, who died in March 2014 at age 79 after a 17-year battle with ovarian cancer.
According to its website, the Dempsey Center offers people “personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost.” There is also a second office in South Portland, Maine.
Dempsey told the magazine that he was “completely shocked” when he was told he would receive the honor.
“I started laughing, it’s a joke isn’t it?” he said. “I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” I had completely forgotten about it and didn’t even think about being in that position. So my ego is good.’
He joked about the souvenirs he had, captioning it: “I got the bumper stickers, t-shirts, posters.”
Asked if he thought the honor meant he had reached his peak, Dempsey said: “I reached my peak many years ago, but I’m still here.”
Kimmel asked Dempsey “if last year’s Sexiest Man, Chris Evans, called to admit,” to which Dempsey replied, “No, I haven’t spoken to him yet; I hope I get a call when I leave the stage.
Dempsey’s most famous role was that of Dr. Derek Shepherd on ABC’s hit Grey’s Anatomy. pictured in 2006
Kimmel previously announced the magazine’s honoree for the first time in three years, back in 2020, when actor Michael B. Jordan received the award. Since then, Paul Rudd was honored in 2021 and Chris Evans received the title in 2022.
Other previous winners include John Legend (2019), Idris Elba (2018), Blake Shelton (2017), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (2016), David Beckham (2015), Chris Hemsworth (2014), Adam Levine (2013), Channing Tatum (2012), Bradley Cooper (2011) and Ryan Reynolds (2010).
The earlier decade in the 2000s saw wins from Johnny Depp (2009), Hugh Jackman (2008), Matt Damon (2007), George Clooney (2006), Matthew McConaughey (2005), Jude Law (2004) and Johnny Depp (2003 ). ), Ben Affleck (2002), Pierce Brosnan (2001) and Brad Pitt (2000).
The 1990s brought covers by Richard Gere (1999), Harrison Ford (1998), George Clooney (1997), Denzel Washington (1996), Brad Pitt (1995), Nick Nolte (1992), the late Patrick Swayze (1991) and Tom Cruise (1990). In 1994 there was no winner, and in 1993 then-couple Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford were named Sexiest Couple Alive.
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weekdays at 11:35pm/10:35pm on ABC.