Patrick Dempsey has been crowned People's Sexiest Man of 2023 during a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The 57-year-old actor, best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy, graciously accepted the coveted title.
The reveal of this year's Sexiest Man Alive was a suspenseful affair, with Kimmel employing cutting-edge hologram technology to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal.
The audience engaged in a round of 20 questions, attempting to guess the identity of the honored individual. Clues emerged, indicating that the mystery man was an actor over 50, married, and a father of three.
Watch Dempsey get unveiled as Sexiest Man below:The pivotal moment came when an audience member asked: "Are you Dr. McDreamy?", about Dempsey's beloved character, and then all was revealed.
Upon taking the stage, Dempsey humbly accepted the honor and quipped: "I'm just happy they made a decision, and it was me this year."
Kimmel questioned the timing of Dempsey's crowning, suggesting that People magazine had waited for the actor to mature like a fine wine. To which Dempsey responded with a laugh: "What took them so long is the only question I have... you get more handsome every single year."
The actor's family couldn't believe the news, initially thinking it was a joke. Dempsey recalled their reaction, saying: "They were like, 'No, seriously, who is it?' 'No, it's me.' Reality came crashing in."
The actor also shared how tightly guarded the secret of the Sexiest Man Alive is, with participants bound by nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from revealing their selection until the official announcement.
Dempsey mentioned the preparations he underwent for the magazine's photoshoot, including fasting for a month and giving up bread products.
Speaking about his recognition, Dempsey revealed: "You have to enjoy the moment when it happens - the year goes by so quickly."
He expressed gratitude for the timing, saying: "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."
The actor is actively involved in philanthropic work, notably the Dempsey Center, which offers comprehensive cancer care at no cost to those in need.
Kimmel announced this prestigious award for the first time in three years, with Michael B. Jordan being the 2020 recipient. In subsequent years, Paul Rudd received the honor in 2021, and Chris Evans was named the Sexiest Man Alive in 2022.
This remarkable title has seen numerous iconic figures being recognized over the years, including Chris Hemsworth, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, and George Clooney.
Reacting to the news, one fan on X (formerly Twitter), said: "Everyone saying patrick dempsey is the 'wrong choice' is lying through their teeth that man is sexiest men of not only this year but maybe even the last 3 decades."
A second added: "Patrick Dempsey BEEN sexiest man alive since he said its a beautiful day to save lives that first time in 2005."