Patrick Dempsey is an American actor and race car driver, best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the popular television series Grey's Anatomy. Born on January 13, 1966, in Lewiston, Maine, he began his career in the 1980s, appearing in various films and television shows. In addition to acting, Dempsey has a passion for motorsports and has participated in several professional racing events. He has also been involved in charitable work, particularly in support of cancer research through the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, which he co-founded in 2008.