At Last, Patrick Dempsey Is Officially the Sexiest Man Alive

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Good things come to those who've been runner-up 10 times before. It's been nearly 20 years since he was Dr. McDreamy on Grey's Anatomy, and even longer since my personal favorite of his starring roles, Andrew Hennings in Sweet Home Alabama. But the powers that be decreed that 2023 would be the year Patrick Dempsey was crowned People's Sexiest Man Alive.

“I peaked many years ago,” Dempsey joked in his interview. He also noted that while he's been featured on the People list several times over the years, this is the first time he's gotten the number one spot. “I've been the bridesmaid for People's Sexiest Man Alive 10 times,” he quipped. “Now I get the big picture, not the little picture that's on the side.”

Dempsey added that his kids, 21-year-old Talula and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby, would probably pick on him for the honor. “I think everybody's gonna give me a hard time,” he said with a laugh.

Some of the internet seemed split on the decision, specifically those who had been stanning for Pedro Pascal. “Pedro Pascal was ROBBED,” reads one Instagram comment. “In the year of Pedro Pascal this is what yall do??” reads another.

But others were not here for the Dempsey slander. “Defending Patrick Dempsey like it’s my job,” joked one person on Twitter. “Everyone saying Patrick Dempsey is the ‘wrong choice’ is lying through their teeth that man is sexiest men of not only this year but maybe even the last 3 decades,” tweeted another defender.

After making the announcement on his show, Jimmy Kimmel asked the 57-year-old actor, “What took them so long?” Ever modest, Dempsey replied, “I don’t know; I’m just happy they made a decision and it’s me this year. I'm very grateful.” Joked Kimmel, “Now you get the whole cover to yourself.”

Originally Appeared on Glamour