The race comes full circle
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“ We ’ re like a married couple ; it ’ s 10 years and it was magic from the beginning … Very moving , always has been ,” he told Entertainment Weekly during an exit interview in 2015 after wrapping up his role on the series .
Dempsey ’ s character was so popular , in fact , that Rhimes herself came under fire for killing off Derek after a season that saw his appearances dwindle . She was forced to explain her decision to the angry mob after some boycotted the show after Dempsey ’ s shocking departure .
“ Meredith and Derek ’ s love had to remain Meredith and Derek ’ s Love ,” Rhimes told E News . “… I couldn ’ t really have the idea that he turned out to be a bad guy who walked out on his wife and kids … to me , it was the only way to make Meredith and Derek ’ s magic remain true and forever frozen in time .”
After playing such a universally beloved character , Dempsey said his challenge would be to explore new terrain in his evolving acting career .
“ Will I be allowed to do something different ? That will be the challenge , to see if people embrace me as someone else ,” he went on to say in the exit interview that broke thousands of hearts . The show went on without him , but for many fans , was never quite the same .
The race comes full circle
Meredith and Derek may have enjoyed an epic love story , but the twice-married actor and father of three coped with his share of highs and lows over the years . He endured a much-publicized divorce filing in 2015 after 15 years of marriage to make-up artist Jillian Fink . The following year he confirmed the two had reconciled .
Patrick Dempsey with wife Jillian Fink and family at the world premiere of Bridget Jones ’ s Baby .
“ You have to work at everything . And you cannot do everything . Something has to be sacrificed ,” he told Us magazine in 2016 . While juggling his demanding schedule for Grey ’ s , he toggled an equally all-consuming passion : auto racing . Over the years he ’ s competed in 68 races , scoring his top podium win at Le Mans in 2015 , and also winning the FIA World Endurance Championship race at Fuji . While he claimed racing was even more exciting than acting , he decided to take a break in 2016 to focus on family and helping his children achieve their own dreams .
His new season marks a maturing full circle from humble beginnings . A proud son of Lewiston , Maine , Dempsey ’ s parents were middle class professionals who valued church , work , and education . Often labeled “ lazy ,” he struggled academically , but was then diagnosed with dyslexia in middle school . He ’ d shown an interest in acting during his high school years , and decided he wanted to
Dempsey and his team celebrate after winning their division at the 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway .
10 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2017