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Fans ask 'what took so long' after Patrick Dempsey is crowned People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2023 on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

Many of Patrick Dempsey's fans, who have been mesmerized by his performances over the years, believe this recognition has been a long time coming

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Patrick Dempsey was announced as People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2023 on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 

The 57-year-old former lead actor of 'Grey's Anatomy' made an appearance on the show, during which the cover of the issue was displayed.

After receiving the honor, Dempsey, who has 21-year-old daughter Tallula and 16-year-old twins Darby and Sullivan with his wife Jillian, also 57, expressed his gratitude by saying, "Thank you very much."

Patrick Dempsey is People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive

During a segment on the late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel utilized "cutting-edge hologram technology from our friends at proto" to conceal the identity of the newly crowned Sexiest Man Alive, who was later unveiled as Dempsey.

The audience members engaged in a game of 20 questions with the mystery man, attempting to narrow down the potential candidates for the title. The responses revealed that the individual was an actor, over 50 years old, married, and a father of three children.

Further clues indicated that the mystery man was neither Harry Styles nor Travis Kelce and did not have any tattoos. The pivotal question posed by an audience was, "Are you Dr McDreamy?" referring to Dempsey's character Dr Derek Shepherd from the hit ABC show.

Upon sitting down with Kimmel, the star of 'Ferrari' expressed, "I’m just happy they made a decision and it was me this year."

Kimmel humorously pointed out that the magazine took quite some time to honor Dempsey, who has been a part of the show business for over 35 years.

The host said, "What took them so long is the only question I have ... you get more handsome every single year ... they waited; like uncorking a bottle of fine wine, they decided to wait until just the right year - next year you'll be a mess!"

Kimmel highlighted that the actor had been on the brink of receiving the honor in recent years. He had previously graced two covers of the magazine alongside past winners, George Clooney and Matt Damon. 

"Never give up on a dream," Dempsey stated, adding that when he shared the news of the honor with his family, their initial reaction was one of disbelief. "They were like, 'No, seriously, who is it?' "No, it's me." Reality came crashing in,'" he said.

Fans feel Patrick Dempsey's recognition seems overdue

Many of Dempsey's fans, who have been mesmerized by his performances over the years, believe this recognition has been a long time coming. One fan even questioned, "What took so long?! I’ve had the longest crush." 

Another wrote, "He deserved it for yearsss.. Finally!!!" One person said, "Fantastic choice! FINALLY. 

"Not surprised at all. Just surprised at how long it's taken like he's McDreamy after all!!" claimed one user. 

One fan noted, "Well deserved." Another penned, "Good choice." "Finally!" wrote another.