Fans jumped to actor Patrick Dempsey's defense following internet backlash to People naming him 2023's "Sexiest Man Alive."
Dempsey—best known for his role as Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy and for his roles in films like Scream 3, Sweet Home Alabama, and Enchanted—has been hot for decades.
People finally got with the program.
The 57-year-old Dempsey is the second oldest man to receive the "Sexiest Man Alive" title, just behind the late, great Sean Connery, who was 59 when he was honored in 1989.
Dempsey told People he was "glad" to be named "at this point" in his life, adding that it's "nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.”
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Dempsey said he was "completely shocked" to be named "Sexiest Man Alive" because he's "always been the bridesmaid." He joked he "peaked many years ago" but that he's nonetheless "still here."
But some weren't too thrilled with the news.
But many were quick to express their love for the actor and defend his new title.
Dempsey—who will next appear in Michael Mann's film Ferrari alongside Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz—is also busy off camera.
In addition to his acting career, Dempsey established the Dempsey Center in 2008 in honor of his mother, Amanda, who battled ovarian cancer. The center offers personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost and operates two locations in Lewiston and South Portland, Maine.
He expressed his shock and sadness last month following a mass shooting in Lewiston, his hometown, that resulted in 18 fatalities and left 13 others injured.
The actor reflected on the close-knit sense of community in Maine, a defining strength of the state. He said he and his family "are heartbroken for the victims, their families, and the community."
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