Patrick Dempsey.Photo:Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty (3)
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty (3)
Patrick Dempseymight bePEOPLE’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive,but he’s been a heartthrob for decades.TheGrey’s Anatomystar, now 57, started stealing hearts in the ’80s, when he broke into the industry as the star of classic rom-coms and comedies. Thanks to his on-screen talents, serious charisma and undeniable good looks, Dempsey shot to leading man status early on in his career.See photos of a young Patrick Dempsey looking totally dreamy, long before he was named Sexiest Man Alive.
Patrick Dempseymight bePEOPLE’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive,but he’s been a heartthrob for decades.
TheGrey’s Anatomystar, now 57, started stealing hearts in the ’80s, when he broke into the industry as the star of classic rom-coms and comedies. Thanks to his on-screen talents, serious charisma and undeniable good looks, Dempsey shot to leading man status early on in his career.
See photos of a young Patrick Dempsey looking totally dreamy, long before he was named Sexiest Man Alive.
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Young Idol
Patrick Dempsey.Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock
Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock
Dempsey made his name as a heartthrob early on in his career, with breakout roles in comedies like 1987’sCan’t Buy Me Love. At just 21 years old, Dempsey starred as a high school nerd who undergoes a full-blown makeover.
02of 12Dressing DownPatrick Dempsey.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe actor carved out his own red carpet style in a dark denim jacket and plaid slacks when he attended the premiere ofThe Fourth Protocolin 1987.
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Dressing Down
Patrick Dempsey.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The actor carved out his own red carpet style in a dark denim jacket and plaid slacks when he attended the premiere ofThe Fourth Protocolin 1987.
03of 12Suiting UpPatrick Dempsey.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyDempsey showed off how well he cleans up at the Hollywood opening of his filmIn the Mood, in which he plays real-life teenage womanizer Sonny Wisecarver.
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Suiting Up
Patrick Dempsey.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Dempsey showed off how well he cleans up at the Hollywood opening of his filmIn the Mood, in which he plays real-life teenage womanizer Sonny Wisecarver.
04of 12Stealing HeartsPatrick Dempsey.Michael Putland/GettyBy 1988, the young star had secured a spot as one of Hollywood’s hunkiest leading men.
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Stealing Hearts
Patrick Dempsey.Michael Putland/Getty
Michael Putland/Getty
By 1988, the young star had secured a spot as one of Hollywood’s hunkiest leading men.
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Talent Galore
06of 12Timeless SmolderPatrick Dempsey.Richard Blanshard/GettyEven at age 22 in a more serious role, Dempsey still had that boyish charm as he posed for promotional photos for his 1988 dramaIn a Shallow Grave.
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Timeless Smolder
Patrick Dempsey.Richard Blanshard/Getty
Richard Blanshard/Getty
Even at age 22 in a more serious role, Dempsey still had that boyish charm as he posed for promotional photos for his 1988 dramaIn a Shallow Grave.
07of 12Lots of LovePatrick Dempsey.TriStar Pictures/GettyIn 1989, Dempsey joined A-list superstarsKirstie AlleyandCarrie FisherinLoverboy. Once again, the bright-eyed star played a young man wooing more mature women.
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Lots of Love
Patrick Dempsey.TriStar Pictures/Getty
TriStar Pictures/Getty
In 1989, Dempsey joined A-list superstarsKirstie AlleyandCarrie FisherinLoverboy. Once again, the bright-eyed star played a young man wooing more mature women.
08of 12Putting in WorkPatrick Dempsey.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyAt the 61st Academy Awards, Dempsey and 18 other Hollywood up-and-comers performed an elaborate musical number called “The Stars of Tomorrow.” During the act, Dempsey had several solo moments dancing and singing alongside the likes ofRicki Lake,Chad Lowe,Holly RobinsonandChristian Slater.Ahead of Oscar night, Dempsey and his fellow performers gathered for rehearsals (pictured). The fresh-faced heartthrob clearly knew to fuel up for an intense practice, as seen here will a full plate of food.
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Putting in Work
At the 61st Academy Awards, Dempsey and 18 other Hollywood up-and-comers performed an elaborate musical number called “The Stars of Tomorrow.” During the act, Dempsey had several solo moments dancing and singing alongside the likes ofRicki Lake,Chad Lowe,Holly RobinsonandChristian Slater.
Ahead of Oscar night, Dempsey and his fellow performers gathered for rehearsals (pictured). The fresh-faced heartthrob clearly knew to fuel up for an intense practice, as seen here will a full plate of food.
09of 12Blue-Eyed BabePatrick Dempsey.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyEven as years have passed, Dempsey’s luscious locks have stayed as voluminous as ever (he’s now rocking asilver-toned style).
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Blue-Eyed Babe
Even as years have passed, Dempsey’s luscious locks have stayed as voluminous as ever (he’s now rocking asilver-toned style).
10of 12Fashion ForwardPatrick Dempsey.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyDempsey continued his stylish streak into the ’90s, appearing on more L.A. red carpets. He added round sunglasses to his outfit repertoire for the premiere ofYoung Guns IIin N.Y.C.
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Fashion Forward
Dempsey continued his stylish streak into the ’90s, appearing on more L.A. red carpets. He added round sunglasses to his outfit repertoire for the premiere ofYoung Guns IIin N.Y.C.
11of 12The Camera Loves HimPatrick Dempsey.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyTheEnchantedstar has never been afraid to goof off and have fun. At the 1994 premiere of his dramedyWith Honors, Dempsey swapped roles with photographers and stepped behind the lens on the carpet!
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The Camera Loves Him
TheEnchantedstar has never been afraid to goof off and have fun. At the 1994 premiere of his dramedyWith Honors, Dempsey swapped roles with photographers and stepped behind the lens on the carpet!
12of 12Superstar SuavePatrick Dempsey.A decade before he defined his career as Dr. Derek Shepherd, Dempsey costarred in the 1995 medical dramaOutbreakwith Dustin Hoffman,Morgan Freemanand Rene Russo. At the premiere, the future Sexiest Man Alive framed his face with a longer, curly hairstyle.
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Superstar Suave
Patrick Dempsey.
A decade before he defined his career as Dr. Derek Shepherd, Dempsey costarred in the 1995 medical dramaOutbreakwith Dustin Hoffman,Morgan Freemanand Rene Russo. At the premiere, the future Sexiest Man Alive framed his face with a longer, curly hairstyle.
source: people.com
