Patrick Dempsey has worked in the film industry.
Patrick Galen Dempsey ( born January 13 , 1966 ) is an American actor and race car driver , best known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr. Derek `` McDreamy '' Shepherd on Grey 's Anatomy . He saw early success as an actor , starring in a number of films in his early 20s , including Ca n't Buy Me Love ( 1987 ) and Loverboy ( 1989 ) . He has since then starred in a number of other films , including Enchanted ( 2007 ) , Made of Honor ( 2008 ) , Valentine 's Day ( 2010 ) , Flypaper ( 2011 ) , Freedom Writers ( 2007 ) , Transformers : Dark of the Moon ( 2011 ) and Bridget Jones 's Baby ( 2016 ) .