Patrick​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Dempsey States That He Is Over His Role in Grey’s Anatomy But He Is Still Very Thankful To The ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Show

Patrick​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Dempsey Reflects on Letting Go of Derek Shepherd and His Immortal Grey’s Anatomy Influence

Even though Patrick Dempsey has not been a part of Grey’s Anatomy on a regular basis for 10 years, and at present, he doesn’t see his character as something he is strongly attached to anymore, he is still very aware of the fact that the role of Derek Shepherd has shaped his life in a deep and lasting way.
Currently leading the cast in the Fox show Memory of a Killer, the actor, who just turned 60, was questioned about his interaction with the character who is widely loved.
“What kind of relationship do you have with Derek Shepherd now? Do you still have any attachment to the character?” was the question posed to him by The Hollywood ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Reporter.

Patrick Disassociates From His Former Role While Raising Awareness Of The Dempsey Center

Dempsey initially answered “no” when asked if he felt an emotional connection to his past character. Despite the “no” answer, Dempsey proceeded to discuss the importance of the Dempsey Center and its mission to offer personalized and comprehensive cancer care for free.

Dempsey reflected, “The support allows me to use the platform I have to talk about the Dempsey Center and the type of work we are doing there.” He added, “Right now we are in March… [which is] Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month… I think there is ongoing connectivity in many people’s minds to the reality that I am a ‘doctor’ on television, as well as…many of [those] who once started in nursing and became registered [as] a result of my TV show. This connection is continuing… For me as an individual, I think it is beautiful that people are becoming more educated about working in the service of others…”
In conclusion, Dempsey remarked, “I think we will continue to have a positive impact on continuing to put more people into the health care professions, which we currently have a shortage of and, as well, continue to create awareness for the type of service we provide at the Dempsey Center. At Dempsey Center, we do not treat the disease; we treat the holistic individual.”

Dempsey Shares His Thoughts on the Lasting Effects of Grey’s and Moving Forward with New Roles

Patrick Dempsey stated that Grey’s Anatomy and Derek Shepherd will be in his life forever, no matter where he goes or evolves professionally.

“The character and the show will always be a part of me. I embraced this notion long ago,” he said. “I have enjoyed continuing to work and play different characters since Grey’s ended, and I hope the audience has accepted me on these new journeys as an actor to play different types of people.”

He also commented on how grateful he feels towards the exposure and platforms the role afforded him.

“It has been a blessing for me to have been given so much exposure due to my connection to Grey’s. I come from a small town in ME, and it’s been a miracle to continue working as an actor. I have lost many colleagues in my early days of acting for one reason or another. I am thankful for everything I do and will continue to do.”