Patrick Dempsey no longer feels an 'attachment' to Grey's Anatomy character Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey no longer feels an "attachment" to his character, Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd, but he admitted the neurosurgeon will "always" be part of his life. 17 March 2026 Patrick Dempsey no longer feels an "attachment" to his Grey's Anatomy character. Patrick Dempsey no longer feels an 'attachment' to Grey's Anatomy character The 60-year-old actor portrayed neurosurgeon Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd in the medical drama from 2005 to 2015, before returning five years later for the 17th season.