‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Patrick Dempsey’s Instagram Post Proves That Fans Aren’t Over McDreamy
Patrick Dempsey graced the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (previously Seattle Grace and Seattle Grace Mercy West) for 11 seasons. Making medical drama history as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd and longtime love of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Dempsey left Grey’s Anatomy in 2015 to pursue other professional projects.
Though it’s been five years since the Sweet Home Alabama star exited the show, fans are clearly burning a candle for the Grey’s alum.
Patrick Dempsey moves on from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
After Dempsey’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy, the actor focused on his passion for auto racing and landed a role on the big screen in Bridget Jones’ Baby.
“It’s completely reinvigorated me. I’ve enjoyed it immensely,” Dempsey told Entertainment Weekly in 2015 of working again in film. “Getting back to something that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. And it’s very collaborative and it’s organic in how it comes together, how it changes and evolves.”
Noting the contrast between film and television, the Can’t Buy Me Love star seemed to welcome the variety brought on by his movie role.
“It’s just a completely different approach,” Dempsey remarked. “With the show, you’re just grinding it out to get through it. In this instance, you take the time to walk through things. I really love it.”
Being McDreamy
Grey’s Anatomy became an instant hit when it premiered in March 2005, launching Dempsey and several of his co-stars into stardom. The actor was grateful he had some years in the industry under his belt to help navigate his newfound fame.
“It’s crazy because you go from trying to get in a room to audition, to suddenly everybody in the world knowing you, no matter where you go,” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2015 following his departure from the show. “And it happened within a 30-day period. I’m glad I had the experience to handle it, because it’s very heady.”
At the end of season 11, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes concluded Dempsey’s time on the show by having Derek killed in a car accident. He knew the devoted fan following would take the loss of the major character to heart.
“The fans care deeply. I think Shonda cares deeply about the fans, and how they will react,” Dempsey reflected. “Shepherd is a beloved character. People don’t want to lose him. He’s been in their lives for over 10 years. … They are passionate around the world. I get to travel around the world to race, and people know who Shepherd is. It’s humbling.”
A non-McDreamy post prompts nostalgia for the ‘Grey’s’ character
Earlier this week, Dempsey posted an Instagram pic with his dog with the simple caption of “Monday.” Though there was no reference to Grey’s Anatomy, Derek Shepherd, McDreamy, or any other terms related to the Dempsey’s former show, loyalists of the iconic character clamored to the star using that famous moniker.
“LOVE YOU MCDREAMY,” one fan wrote. “Pick me, choose me, love me McDreamy!!!” another posted, quoting a legendary line from Meredith. “greys anatomy is still good, but like it’s kinda boring without you,” a follower wrote.
Other comments included several declarations of love and proposals of marriage, but the majority were just yearning for their beloved Dr. Shepherd.
“Hey mcdreamy come back to greys please,” a fan requested. “it’s a beautiful day to save lives,” another wrote in reference to McDreamy’s iconic signature line. “still my mcdreamy,” one follower commented. “please come back in season 17 in greys please,” another begged.
Clearly, Dempsey will never shake his McDreamy persona!
