Patrick Dempsey revealed that being named People magazine’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive at the age of 57 boosted his confidence – while joking that his wife’s skincare tips helped him secure the title.
The former “Grey’s Anatomy” actor, nicknamed “McDreamy,” is the second oldest star to receive the honor after Sean Connery, who won the title in 1989 at the age of 59.
During an appearance on the “Today” show, Patrick expressed his gratitude and told Savannah Guthrie that he didn’t think he could enjoy such moments in his late 50s.
“I’m very happy at this age.” “It certainly boosts your confidence a little bit,” he said.
“You turn 50 and think these moments are over.” You change. Your body is changing. Your priorities change. It is beautiful.’
Patrick Dempsey has revealed that being named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2023 at the age of 57 gave him a “confidence boost”.
The former Grey’s Anatomy actor is the second oldest star to receive the honor
Patrick then turned his attention to his wife Jillian, 57, before revealing how their children – daughter Tallula, 21, and twin sons Darby and Sullivan, 16 – reacted to his honor.
He said: “I owe it to my wife, who is a great makeup artist, and my skin care routine. And my children keep me young and active.”
Patrick’s award was announced last Tuesday on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“I’m just glad they made a decision, and this year it was me,” he gushed, while Jimmy joked that it took the magazine a long time to honor the actor, who has been in show business for more than 35 years be.
Jimmy 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!’
The host also pointed out that the “Enchanted” actor has been close to receiving the honor in recent years, having appeared on two past covers alongside fellow winners George Clooney and Matt Damon.
“Never give up on a dream,” Patrick replied.
During his interview, the Hollywood star said his family laughed when they found out about the honor: “They were like, ‘No, seriously, who is that?'” “No, it’s me.” Reality set in.’
Patrick has been married to a hairdresser named Jillian, 57, for 24 years
The two (seen in 2019) then began marriage counseling, which he said was a “very important” step in saving their romance, and in 2016 they announced they were no longer separating
Patrick is probably best known for his role as neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
He first appeared on the series in 2005 and starred in dramatic storylines over the next decade as his relationship with Meredith Gray (Ellen Pompeo) developed
As for his initial reaction to the title, Patrick admitted: “I was completely shocked and then started laughing like it was a joke, right?”
“I’ve always been the bridesmaid!”
He added: “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.”
Patrick continued to find success with romantic comedies, appearing alongside Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’ Baby
He appeared in Disney’s 2007 live-action musical film Enchanted
Asked if he thought the honor meant he had reached his peak, he said: “I reached my peak many years ago, but I’m still here.”
Jimmy previously announced that Michael B. Jordan will be honored by the magazine in 2020.
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).