Patrick Dempsey says being named as People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive aged 57 has ‘boosted his confidence’ – as he admits he ‘thought those moments were gone’ when he turned 50 and his body began ‘changing’

Patrick Dempsey revealed being named People magazine’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive at the age of 57 has renewed his confidence – while also joking that his wife’s skin care advice helped him to snag the title.

The former Grey’s Anatomy actor, who earned the moniker McDreamy, is the second oldest star to receive the honor after Sean Connery, who won the title in 1989, aged 59.

Patrick expressed his gratitude during an appearance on the Today program, telling Savannah Guthrie that he didn’t think he could enjoy such moments in his late 50s.

‘At this age, I’m very happy. It boosts certainly your confidence a little bit,’ he said.

‘You get into your 50s and you think those moments are gone. You’re changing. Your body is changing. Your priorities are changing. It’s nice.’

The former Grey’s Anatomy actor is the second oldest star to receive the honor 

Patrick then turned his attention to his wife Jillian, 57, before revealing how their children – daughter Tallula, 21, and twin sons Darby and Sullivan, 16 – reacted after he was honored. 

He said: ‘I credit my wife who is an amazing makeup artist and my skin care. And my kids keep me young and active.’

Patrick’s accolade was revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live last Tuesday.

‘I’m just happy they made a decision and it was me this year,’ he enthused, while Jimmy joked that it took the magazine a long time in honoring the actor, who has been in show business more than 35 years.

Jimmy said: ‘What took them so long is the only question I have … you get more handsome every single year … they waited; like uncorking a bottle of fine wine, they decided to wait until just the right year – next year you’ll be a mess!’

Patrick has been married to a hairstylist named Jillian, 57, for 24 years

The two (seen in 2019) then started marriage counseling, which he said was a ‘very important’ step to salvaging their romance, and in 2016, they announced they were no longer separating

The host also noted how the Enchanted actor had been close to receiving the honors in recent years, as he was put on two past covers alongside others who had won, George Clooney and Matt Damon.

‘Never give up on a dream,’ Patrick replied.

During his interview, the Hollywood star said his family laughed when informed of the honor: ‘They were like, ‘No, seriously, who is it?’ ‘No, it’s me.’ Reality came crashing in.’