Patrick Dempsey’s fans have been left in shock after discovering a throwback picture of him.
Almost two decades have passed since the actor took on the role of Derek ‘McDreamy’ Shepherd in the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He’s still considered a heartthrob to this day, after it was announced this week that he has been named People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive.
The Enchanted star is now the talk of the town, as you can imagine, and so, fans are looking back at the beloved actor’s career, and are only just now realising how much he’s changed.
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Patrick was only 16-years-old when he made his television debut in the Fast Times at Ridgemont High spin-off Fast Times.
The sitcom wasn’t as successful as the 1982, Amy Heckerling film and only ran for seven episodes in 1986. However, it was the first TV gig for Patrick, who played Mike Damone, and in a recently resurfaced publicity shot, the actor was pictured serving boyish charm with a perfectly coiffed curly mop of hair.
Before giving the coveted title to Patrick, the outlet previously teased some potential candidates for the title including Timothée Chalamet, Jamie Foxx, Lenny Kravitz, Usher, Jason Kelce, and Pedro Pascal.
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Every year since 1985, People have named the Sexiest Man Alive, which is definitely one of the most flattering honours any male celeb could hope for.
The first man to claim the title was Mel Gibson, and now Patrick is the latest to receive the sexy accolade.
“I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life,” the 57-year-old told People.
“It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.”
He went on to add that he was 'completely shocked' when he found out that he had won the title.
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He said: “And then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I’ve always been the bridesmaid!
"I’d completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good.”
The Ferrari actor is married to Jillian Dempsey, with whom he has three children, Talula, 21, and twins Sullivan and Darn, both 16.
Dempsey said his family are 'just going to make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn’t be'.
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He added: “Which is good, they keep me young.”
Last year, the title was claimed by Captain America star Chris Evans, 41, who joked that it gave his mom 'something she can really brag about'.
So adorable!
Featured Image Credit: Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images/Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty ImagesTopics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Grey's Anatomy, TV And Film