Patrick Dempsey: ‘sexiest man alive’ title brought on anxiety

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor reveals he felt pressure to maintain his physique after being named People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ in 2023

“I needed to stay in shape,” he said. “It was a lot of pressure.”

Patrick Dempsey has opened up about the anxiety he felt after being named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2023.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” actor, 56, said in a new interview with People that he was “really happy” to receive the honor, but it also came with some unexpected pressure.

"It was a lot of pressure," he said. "I needed to stay in shape. I needed to look good. I needed to be seen in all the right places."

Dempsey said he felt like he had to "live up to" the title, which made him "anxious."

"I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm the sexiest man alive,'" he said. "What does that even mean? How do I live up to that?"

Dempsey said he eventually learned to embrace the title and use it as a way to promote his work.

"I realized that it was an opportunity for me to show people that I'm more than just a pretty face," he said. "I'm an actor. I'm a producer. I'm a director. I'm a husband. I'm a father. I'm a human being.

He said he is now "comfortable" with the title and is "proud" of the work he has done since being named "Sexiest Man Alive."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been able to use this platform to make a difference in the world," he said.