Patrick Dempsey

Before gaining fame as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey spent his younger years as a juggler, and even placed second in a national juggling competition. Dempsey, born in 1966, grew up in Maine and took on his first acting gig when he received an invitation to audition for a role in the stage production of Torch Song Trilogy in 1984.Dempsey was cast in films throughout the 80s, and got his first big break in 1987 with the film Can’t Buy Me Love. Dempsey’s first major television role was a reoccuring arc on Will & Grace, where he played Will’s closeted sportscaster boyfriend. In 2001, Dempsey went on to play Aaron Brooks on ABC’s Once & Again and received an Emmy nomination for his work. The actor became a household name in 2005 when he joined the cast of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. On the silver screen, the actor has taken on leading roles in films including Sweet Home Alabama, The Emperor’s Club, Made of Honor and Valentine’s Day.Dempsey’s run on Grey’s Anatomy came to an end on the show’s 11th season. He was married to actress Rocky Parker for seven years, and they divorced in 1994. Dempsey wed current wife, celeb makeup artist Jillian Fink, in 1999. The couple has three children. In January 2015, Fink filed for divorce, but the two later reconciled.