Patrick Dempsey says being named as People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive aged 57 has ‘boosted his confidence’ – as he admits he ‘thought those moments were gone’ when he turned 50 and his body began ‘changing’

Patrick Dempsey revealed he was named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2023 at the age of 57. It has renewed his confidence – while he also joked that his wife’s skincare advice helped him land the title.

The former Grey’s Anatomy actor, who earned the nickname McDreamy, is the second-oldest star to receive the honor, after Sean Connery, who won the title in 1989 at the age of 59.

Patrick expressed his gratitude during an appearance on the Today program, telling Savannah Guthrie that he didn’t think he could enjoy moments like that in his late 50s.

‘At this age I am very happy. It definitely boosts your confidence a little bit,” he said.

‘You turn fifty and think those moments are over. You are changing. Your body changes. Your priorities change. It’s fun.’

The former Grey’s Anatomy actor is the second-oldest star to receive the honor

Patrick then turned his attention to his wife Jillian, 57, before revealing how their children – daughter Tallula, 21, and twin sons Darby and Sullivan, 16 – reacted after he was honoured.

He said: ‘I appreciate my wife who is a great make-up artist and my skin care. And my children keep me young and active.’

Patrick’s award was unveiled last Tuesday on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

“I’m just glad they made a decision and it was me this year,” he enthused, while Jimmy joked that the magazine took a long time to honor the actor, who has been in show business for more than 35 years .

Jimmy said, “Why it took so long is the only question I have…you get prettier every year…they waited; like uncorking a bottle of fine wine, they decided to wait until just the right year – next year you’ll be a mess!’

The host also noted that the Enchanted actor had come close to receiving the award in recent years, having featured on two previous covers alongside others who had won, George Clooney and Matt Damon.

“Never give up on a dream,” Patrick replied.

During his interview, the Hollywood star said his family laughed when they were told of the honor: “They said, ‘No, seriously, who is that?’ “No, it’s me.” Reality came rushing in.’

Patrick has been married to a hairstylist named Jillian, 57, for 24 years

The two (seen in 2019) then began marriage counseling, which he said was a “very important” step in saving their romance, and in 2016 they announced they were no longer splitting up.

Patrick is perhaps best known for his role as neurosurgeon Derek ‘McDreamy’ Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy

He first appeared on the show in 2005 and spent the next decade starring in dramatic storylines as his relationship with Meredith Gray (Ellen Pompeo) developed.

As for his initial reaction to the title, Patrick admitted, “I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like this is a joke, right?

“I’ve always been the bridesmaid!”

He added: “I had completely forgotten about it and never even thought about being in this position. So my ego is good.’

He joked about the souvenirs he was carrying with the caption, “I got the bumper stickers, T-shirts, posters.”

Patrick continued to find success with rom-coms, appearing in Bridget Jones’s Baby with Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth

He appeared in Disney’s 2007 musical live-action rom-com film Enchanted

Asked if he believed the honor meant he had peaked, he said: “I peaked many years ago, but I’m still here.”

Jimmy previously announced the magazine’s 2020 award for Michael B. Jordan.

In subsequent years, Paul Rudd was honored in 2021 and Chris Evans was given the title in 2022.

Other past winners include John Legend (2019), Idris Elba (2018), Blake Shelton (2017), Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (2016), David Beckham (2015), Chris Hemsworth (2014), Adam Levine (2013), Channing Tatum (2012), Bradley Cooper (2011) and Ryan Reynolds (2010).