SYDNEY, 20 February 2026 – American actor and professional race car driver Patrick Dempsey is currently dominating headlines as he makes a significant return to the small screen. Best known for his iconic decade-long tenure as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, Dempsey has successfully pivoted into darker, more complex roles in early 2026, while continuing to balance his passions for high-end fashion and automotive endurance.
Latest Updates: “Memory of a Killer” and TV Return
As of February 2026, Dempsey is starring in the new Fox crime thriller series, Memory of a Killer. The show, which premiered on 25 January 2026, following the NFC Championship Game, features Dempsey as a brooding lead in a serial remake of a classic thriller. While the series has received mixed critical reviews regarding its pacing, Dempsey’s performance has been widely praised for showcasing a “darker side” rarely seen during his years on medical dramas.
Industry reports suggest that despite a rocky critical start, Memory of a Killer is a strong contender for renewal for the 2026-2027 television season. In addition to this project, Dempsey recently appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show in the United Kingdom to promote his latest work and discuss his recent role as police captain Aaron Spencer in the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin.
In the fashion world, Dempsey has recently collaborated with Toronto-based luxury tailor Garrison Bespoke. The partnership, highlighted this week, focuses on high-end menswear that reflects the actor’s sophisticated, classic style.
Career Profile and Personal Milestones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Galen Dempsey |
| Date of Birth | 13 January 1966 |
| Breakout Role | Ronald Miller in Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) |
| Most Famous Role | Dr. Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy (2005–2015) |
| Racing Achievements | Competed in 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex 24 at Daytona |
| Recent TV Projects | Dexter: Original Sin (2024), Memory of a Killer (2026) |
Tribute to Eric Dane
The Grey’s Anatomy community is currently in mourning following the news on 19 February 2026 that Eric Dane, who played Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan alongside Dempsey, has passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS. Fans have been reflecting on the “McDreamy and McSteamy” era of the show, which defined a generation of television in the mid-2000s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patrick Dempsey’s new show in 2026?
Patrick Dempsey is currently starring in the Fox crime drama Memory of a Killer, which debuted in late January 2026. He also recently appeared in the Dexter prequel, Dexter: Original Sin.
Is Patrick Dempsey still racing?
Yes, Dempsey remains an active figure in the automotive world. He recently featured in the docuseries Back on Track, produced by Mobil 1 and Hagerty, which documents his return to competitive racing environments.
Will Patrick Dempsey be in Scream 7?
Dempsey has confirmed that “conversations have happened” regarding him reprising his role as Detective Mark Kincaid (from Scream 3) in the upcoming Scream 7, though he has stated he is waiting to see the final script before officially committing.
How many children does Patrick Dempsey have?
Patrick Dempsey has three children with his wife, Jillian. Most recently, the couple celebrated the high school graduation of their twin sons, Darby and Sullivan, in May 2025.