‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Alum Patrick Dempsey Offers an Opportunity That’s Truly McDreamy
Fans of Grey’s Anatomy still mourn the devastating loss of Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd, played by Patrick Dempsey for 11 seasons. Focusing on other projects since leaving the ABC hit series in 2015, Dempsey has been pursuing his passion for auto racing and serving as producer on films such as Racing in the Rain and Hurley.
Now the former neurosurgeon from Grey Sloan Memorial is presenting an opportunity that almost seems to good to be true.
McDreamy on film
Skyrocketing to fame when Grey’s Anatomy premiered in 2005, Dempsey already had several film credits to his name. Appearing in teen romances including Can’t Buy Me Love and Loverboy, Dempsey went on to co-star with Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama and was also featured in the 1995 film Outbreak.
Now gearing up to star in the upcoming political TV thriller Devils, the Grey’s alum described his last day on the medical drama as very low key.
“It was like any other day. It was just another workday,” Dempsey told Entertainment Weekly. “There was still too much going on. You’re in the midst of it—you are not really processing it… It was very quiet, very quiet. I very quietly left. It was beautiful.”
Patrick Dempsey makes ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ references on social media
Grey’s fans have gotten a McDreamy fix of sorts over the past few months. Former co-star Eric Dane, who portrayed Mark “McSteamy” Sloan from season two to season nine, posted a pic of the pair demonstrating how social distancing is done.
“Blurry pic of how to hang out 6 feet apart,” he captioned the post in April, with Dempsey in the background clearly at an acceptable distance.
Fans clearly had some feelings on the photo. “Now I have to watch Grey’s from the beginning again,” one follower wrote. “Crying rn,” another posted. “OH MY GOD I CANT WITH THIS,” a fan commented.
To encourage people to wear masks during the coronavirus crisis, Dempsey took to Instagram in June with a photo of himself wearing one and captioned it with his iconic line from the show.
“It’s a Beautiful Day to Save Lives,” the “McDreamy” star wrote.
Again, fans reacted. “I’m crying,” one commented. “Still in love w him,” another posted. “I miss Dr Shepherd!” a fan wrote.
Patrick + Porsche + cash
In 2008, Dempsey and his two sisters created The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. Inspired by his mother Amanda who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997, the actor and his siblings launched the foundation to provide free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients. Amanda Dempsey died in 2014.
To raise funds for the center and awareness for the cause, Dempsey is offering a Porsche Taycan Turbo with a cash bonus as a grand prize for the sweepstakes he launched. In addition to the luxury car and extra bucks, McDreamy himself will fly the lucky winner to Los Angeles and personally present the goods. As if that’s not enough, hotel expenses are also included.
To enter the sweepstakes, contestants can donate as little as $14. The more entries, the higher your chances. The campaign is online on the Omaze platform with a set deadline of July 14.
Giving Dr. Derek Shepherd fans the chance to meet the Grey’s legend, get the keys to a $200,000 car, and support a worthy cause, Dempsey’s campaign can easily be described as “McDreamy.”
