Doctor McDreamy was the star of many a rom-com before finally landing the role of Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy. We always knew that Patrick Dempsey would continue breaking hearts as he got older. Even now, we can't help but hold our breath when watching particularly *romantic* scenes that involve him.
His naturally kind face and unique speaking voice, not to mention (my goodness!) that hair, all spell out one thing: S-T-A-R. However, the truth is that Dempsey wanted to become many other things before becoming an actor. He actually had quite the life before Hollywood. While he's known for his big acting roles now, he's led a life that has made him quite a unique individual outside of the spotlight.
Here are 20 things you might not know about the BTS aspect of 'McDreamy's' life.
20 He's A Mainie! Born In Lewiston, Specifically
That's right, this guy was born and bred as a New Englander. While we're not sure if he roots for the Patriots, we do know that his hometown is Lewiston, Maine. That's pretty far from the sunny shores of Cali, where most actors and actresses end up, post-stardom.
19 By The Time He Was 21, He Was Already Married
It seems that this heartthrob doesn't just portray romantic roles...he also appreciates romance in his own life, off the screen. His first wife was none other than Rocky Parker, the mother of his best friend. She was also his manager at the time, and they were married for seven years.
18 Yes, His First Wife Was The Mother Of His Best Friend
Speaking of which, this is true - Rocky Parker had a whopping 27 years on Patrick Dempsey, as he was only 21 when he married her. She was 48. Don't worry, though - despite the fact that their marriage ended after several years, Dempsey went on to find true love.
17 The Actor Has Dyslexia, But That Doesn't Slow Him Down
Lots of people have this learning disability, but the amazing thing is that plenty of people don't allow dyslexia to slow them down - Dempsey is one of those people. When it came to reading scripts, his dyslexia forced him to think outside the box and find new techniques. In an interview with Life Magazine, he said he had a coach - he also had others read him his lines.
16 He Has Three Children, Two Of Them Are Twins
Sorry, devoted fans - this one already has a wife and a family! Dempsey isn't only a husband, he's also the father of three gorgeous kids. He and his second wife, Jillian Fink, had their daughter Talula in 2002 and she was followed by her twin brothers, Sullivan and Darby, in 2007.
15 Juggling Is A Pretty Serious Hobby Of His
You would never guess it, but it's true. Juggling a hobby and it's also a serious pastime! Dempsey almost considered going pro with it. He has showcased his talents on TV for the world to see. Every time we witness the juggling, we just can't seem to put McDreamy together with juggling pins.
14 So Much So, That He Actually Considered Clown School Before Acting
We'll bet that you didn't know that Dempsey has a clownish sense of humor! In all seriousness, he did consider a different career path prior to acting, and it did involve entertaining others - just not in the way we're used to seeing him do it. However, he did come in third at the National Juggler's Competition, so he had a good shot at it.
13 He's Pretty Heroic IRL, Too
He saved lives on TV, and he's also been known to help out IRL. Although his doctor persona is faux, for television, rumor has it that Dempsey did help a teen who crashed his car on Dempsey's property. With the use of a crowbar, he was able to get the teen to safety after the crash.
12 If He Wasn't An Actor, He Also Would Have Considered Being A Pro Skier
So many potential career paths! This actor has many hobbies and talents, and skiing is yet another hobby and talent that we can add to the list. While it's unclear how serious he was about it, he likely would have tried to go pro if he hadn't ended up juggling professionally or playing a hunky doctor on TV.
11 Tully's Coffee Is His Coffee Chain, Which He Saved From Bankruptcy
The good deeds continue...but this one also became a business venture for the actor. Dempsey bought out Tully's Coffee after the chain declared bankruptcy. He helped the company while also acquiring a now-popular coffee chain. Unfortunately, his partnership with them only lasted two months.
10 Just Like Any Other History-Loving Person, He Loves Antiquing
We swear, the list never ends. While his love of vintage cars is no secret (he also races these classic cars, but we'll get to that a little later on), his love of antiquing is an interest that's somewhat on the down-low.
Most fans don't know that Dempsey loves a good antique find every now and then. Move aside, American Pickers.
9 The Role Of Dr. Chase On House Almost Went To Dempsey Instead
Before he was Dr. Shepherd, he was almost Dr. Chase. We're not sure what it is about playing the role of doctor, but Dempsey was certainly destined to play an MD. He auditioned for the role of Dr. Chase on House - that role went to Jesse Spencer instead.
8 Dempsey Was Also In Line For The Role Of Duckie In Pretty in Pink
Figure that one out! We couldn't imagine Jon Cryer not being our iconic Duckie, but (believe it or not) Dempsey attempted to get the role. While Dempsey likely would have brought his own charm to the character, we could see why Cryer ultimately landed the role instead.
7 He Left School To Pursue Acting, But Earned A Degree In Another Way
Some actors don't have academic success stories, but Dempsey actually created his own success. Due to his efforts to support cancer treatments and further cancer research, Bowdoin College awarded him an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters. This happened right in his home state.
6 Rob Lowe Almost Stole The Spotlight Of McDreamy From Him
Believe it or not, Dempsey did lose the role of Derek Shepherd. Rob Lowe was actually offered the part initially but then turned it down. Thanks to this twist of fate, Dempsey was destined to become everyone's favorite onscreen doctor and crush. Trust us, we can't picture a McDreamy Rob Lowe, either.
5 Shonda Rhimes, Producer Of Grey's Anatomy, Sparked Some BTS Anxiety For Dempsey
Things didn't always go smoothly for this actor after he landed what was soon to be such a memorable onscreen role.
Grey's Anatomy producer, Shonda Rhimes, was not messing around when it came to perfection...and her approach almost scared off Patrick! Later, he realized her intentions were always for the best.
4 Not Surprisingly, He's A Car Lover
And he's not shy about it, either. Dempsey collects cars, both vintage and new, and has no shame when it comes to purchasing extravagant vehicles. The actor has an appreciation for well-made cars. If he wants one, he gets one. He once spent an entire paycheck on a '63 Ferrari.
3 He Was Almost Divorced For A Second Time Before Calling It Off
He seems to be a true romantic at heart...when marriage problems threatened to end his marriage permanently, Dempsey decided to get closer to Jillian. While rumors spread about him and Jillian Fink getting a divorce, Dempsey admitted that his marriage was "not something he was prepared to let go of".
2 His Early Years Of Fame Consisted Of Considerable 'Tantrums'
We get it - fame can take its toll in many a way, including adult temper tantrums. Dempsey admitted that, during the early years of his career, he was a pretty demanding person. Fame can go to your head pretty quickly. Your status skyrockets and this causes ego issues. It's not surprising he was affected by his fame.
1 A Man Of Many Talents: He Races Cars
Surprise! Dempsey collects cars and also races them...and he's pretty serious about it. According to Motorsport, Dempsey is quite the accomplished racecar driver. Back in 2015, he even won the Fuji round of the World Endurance Championship. Patrick probably wishes he could race in Formula One.