The sexiest man in the world, according to People

Actor Patrick Dempsey has been named the sexiest man in the world for 2023 by People magazine. The recognition comes nearly two decades since Dempsey appeared on television as neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd on the ABC series "Grey's Anatomy." Last year, the award was given to Chris Evans.

"His heartthrob status created such a fan frenzy that he graced the pages of this very issue countless times over the years. Now he’s taking home the Sexiest Man Alive crown," reported the magazine that annually names its most beautiful and sexiest artists of the year.

Upon hearing the news, the renowned actor said that with the recognition, he will have a platform to send a positive message to other people. For example, the actor has not only dedicated himself to his career but has also founded organizations to offer help to citizens. This is the case of the Dempsey Center, which he founded in honor of his late mother to support cancer patients and their loved ones.

'I'm glad it's happening at this point in my life'

"I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life. 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," said Dempsey, now 57 years old.

Regarding his family, he assured that when his children hear the news, they're "just going to make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn’t be. Which is good, they keep me young.”

In December, he will show his acting skills again in the biopic "Ferrari," directed by Michael Mann (who received an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA amid the actors' strike). He will play Italian driver Piero Taruffi.

"I’d been following the movie for years, so I called Michael and said, ‘I want to discuss being a part of this.' ... That taught me if you really want something, you have to do it yourself," Dempsey said.