Patrick Dempsey Jokes That Being Named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive Made Him 'More Anxiety-Ridden' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Patrick Dempsey at the re-opening of the TAG Heuer Sydney flagship store on Feb. 29, 2024 in Sydney.Photo:James Gourley/Getty;Carter Smith

James Gourley/Getty;Carter Smith

Patrick Dempseyis keeping it real.The actor, 58, opens up in this week’s issue of PEOPLE aboutbeing named Sexiest Man Alive in 2023, shortly beforethis year’s pickwill be revealed on Nov. 12.When asked if he used the highly coveted title to his advantage in any way, Dempsey says with a laugh, “No, it makes me more anxiety-ridden. I needed to stay in shape, to train more.““But it’s amazing the reach it has,” he continued. “I think it’s a tremendous platform to do something positive with … It’s allowed me to talk aboutThe Dempsey Center[which focuses on cancer care].““Fame in itself is quite empty, but if you can do something, and you can be of service, that is truly what life is about and gives you meaning and joy,” adds theGrey’s Anatomyalum.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Patrick Dempsey for PEOPLE’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive.Carter SmithAccording to Dempsey, being named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive was an honor, though he says he doesn’t take it too seriously overall.“It’s really good for one’s ego, but it’s so subjective,” TheEnchantedstar admits. “There are so many wonderful men that are out there that are attractive in many ways, either just physically or just who they are as a person, so you take it seriously enough to be grateful, but don’t take it too serious, though.“The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!As for earning the title after past honorees, including stars likeChris Evans,Idris Elba,David Beckham,Bradley Cooper,George ClooneyandMatthew McConaughey, Dempsey says, “It’s a great group of people to be a part of.““There aresome remarkable menwho’ve done incredible things, so it’s nice to be a part of that,” he adds.For more on Patrick Dempsey, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available now.

Patrick Dempseyis keeping it real.

The actor, 58, opens up in this week’s issue of PEOPLE aboutbeing named Sexiest Man Alive in 2023, shortly beforethis year’s pickwill be revealed on Nov. 12.

When asked if he used the highly coveted title to his advantage in any way, Dempsey says with a laugh, “No, it makes me more anxiety-ridden. I needed to stay in shape, to train more.”

“But it’s amazing the reach it has,” he continued. “I think it’s a tremendous platform to do something positive with … It’s allowed me to talk aboutThe Dempsey Center[which focuses on cancer care].”

“Fame in itself is quite empty, but if you can do something, and you can be of service, that is truly what life is about and gives you meaning and joy,” adds theGrey’s Anatomyalum.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Patrick Dempsey for PEOPLE’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive.Carter Smith

Carter Smith

According to Dempsey, being named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive was an honor, though he says he doesn’t take it too seriously overall.

“It’s really good for one’s ego, but it’s so subjective,” TheEnchantedstar admits. “There are so many wonderful men that are out there that are attractive in many ways, either just physically or just who they are as a person, so you take it seriously enough to be grateful, but don’t take it too serious, though.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

As for earning the title after past honorees, including stars likeChris Evans,Idris Elba,David Beckham,Bradley Cooper,George ClooneyandMatthew McConaughey, Dempsey says, “It’s a great group of people to be a part of.”

“There aresome remarkable menwho’ve done incredible things, so it’s nice to be a part of that,” he adds.

For more on Patrick Dempsey, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available now.

source: people.com