‘Sexiest Man Alive’ Patrick Dempsey Raised 3 Kids in ‘Communal’ Home with Menagerie & Garden — Look Inside

Among many Hollywood heartthrobs, few have left an indelible mark quite like Patrick Dempsey. Known to millions as neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on the long-running hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dempsey’s journey into the hearts of fans began almost two decades ago.

Dempsey’s path to stardom extends beyond his McDreamy persona, reaching back to 1987 when he charmed audiences as the endearing outcast in “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

Now, in the year 2023, Dempsey graces the headlines not just for his on-screen charisma but as the “Sexiest Man Alive.” He reflects on this unexpected honor with his trademark humor, stating, “I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” This light-hearted perspective encapsulates Dempsey’s genuine and down-to-earth nature that has endeared him to fans globally.

In an exclusive interview with People, Dempsey expresses his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that it provides a platform to do something positive. His commitment to positivity finds its roots in the Dempsey Center—an institution he founded in honor of his late mother to support cancer patients and their loved ones.

Regarding his children’s reactions to his new title, Dempsey humorously anticipated they would likely tease him, poke fun, and find countless reasons why he shouldn’t have received this honor, adding, “Which is good, they keep me young.”

Dempsey’s life is not confined to the spotlight or philanthropic endeavors alone. At the age of 57, he embraces the roles of a loving husband to Jillian Fink, a makeup artist and clean beauty line founder, and a dedicated father to Talula, 21, and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby. Dempsey also nurtures his love for architecture and race-car driving, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted life of the Sexiest Man Alive.

The Dempseys’ Former ‘Communal’ Haven

In 2014, Architectural Digest took us inside the warm, artfully decorated home that Dempsey and Fink shared with their three young children in Malibu, California.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry in 1968 for artist Ron Davis, the rhomboidal corrugated-metal-clad live/work space underwent a remarkable transformation from an atelier to a family domicile while retaining its bohemian charm.

The house underwent a metamorphosis when the Dempseys embraced it as their own. The Glasscocks, the previous owners, had left their mark, and the Dempseys, respecting their vision, allowed landscape designer Scott Shrader to expand on his master plan.

The outdoors transformed into a family fun zone, with a broad lawn for soccer games, an alfresco kitchen with a pizza oven, and coops and enclosures for their menagerie of chickens, miniature donkeys, rabbits, goats, pigs, and a rescued African tortoise.

Fink’s interest in organic gardening even led to the conversion of the Glasscocks’ riding arena into planting beds for an array of vegetables and flowers. Fink, an artist and designer, breathes life into the Gehry house with her unique perspective. Describing the residence, she fondly stated:

“The house is very warm and communal, and all the vibrant spaces that Gehry devised really inspire creativity.”

Fink’s words capture the essence of the former Dempsey home—a place where warmth and creativity intertwine to form a communal oasis. This sentiment echoes through every corner, from the cozy living room adorned with Brenda Antin’s chaise longues to the vibrant outdoor dining space designed by Shrader.

From the pivoting glass panel entrance to the vibrant living spaces adorned with art and carefully curated furniture, every corner told a story. The garden, with its raised beds and outdoor amenities, reflected not just the Dempseys’ taste but their love for nature and the simple joys of life.

Dempsey’s Homes and Heartfelt Rituals

Dempsey is a big lover of Porsches, old houses, and the simple joys of daily life. His connection with architecture traces back to childhood when Lego houses sparked in him a love for construction. Reminiscing about his homes, he shares the diverse styles that define his living spaces.

Whether it’s the mid-century modern home in California, the traditional stone home in Maine, or the cozy ski chalet in the mountains, each residence reflects a chapter in his life’s journey. He loves changing things up and making his homes look cool.

After selling the Gehry-designed house in 2015, he purchased another home in Malibu, which Architectural Digest visited in early 2023. Asked to describe the style of his new home, Dempsey chuckled, admitting, “Well, it’s a bit chaotic right now as we’re knee-deep in remodeling in Malibu.”

Even in the chaos of remodeling, there’s one constant in Dempsey’s kitchen—an essential coffee maker. As a man of diverse tastes, his favorite gadget transcends the ordinary—it’s a pizza oven.

At night, Dempsey has different bedtime routines. Sometimes, he listens to books on tape, and other times, he finds comfort in changing things up before bedtime. His evenings are a mix of the familiar and the flexible.

Ask Dempsey about his favorite room, and it’s not a room in the traditional sense—it’s the outdoor patio. With a view of the canyon and a play of light that enchants all day, it’s a testament to his appreciation for designing outdoor spaces. If he were to start anew, landscape architecture might be his creative avenue, he muses.

Dempsey’s love for travel is not confined to experiences alone. Every trip leaves a tangible mark in his home—a piece of art, like the hand-carved sculpture of Marcus Aurelius from Rome, adorns his living space. Each object holds a story, a memory, connecting him to the diverse cultures he encounters.

Within the walls of his homes, certain objects hold special places. The 356, a vintage car, stands out not just as a mode of transportation but as a piece of functional design. Antiques, collected since childhood, find their haven in his Maine residence. A late 17th-century armoire and chairs are a testament to the enduring charm of well-crafted pieces.

As Dempsey navigated the process of changing the color of his Malibu home and redesigning his kitchen, Architectural Digest again gave us a glimpse of the excitement that comes with renovation.

For him, it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about being a caretaker, a custodian of the older homes he calls his own. The vision, the mood board, and the execution—it’s a journey of bringing homes back to life, a task he finds incredibly rewarding.