Patrick Dempsey became an instant heartthrob after landing the role of Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy, but thankfully for the actor, his love life is far less complicated and dramatic than it appears on the show. Away from the spotlight, the 57-year-old has been happily married to his wife of 24 years, Jillian Fink, with whom he shares three children. Keep reading for all the details...
Who is Patrick Dempsey's wife Jillian Fink?
Jillian Fink is a celebrated makeup artist, entrepreneur and animal activist. In between managing her popular beauty lines – Delux Beauty and the eponymous Jillian Dempsey line – she also works with Hollywood stars including Kristen Stewart, Emilia Clarke, Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst and Jennifer Lawrence.
© GettyHow did Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink meet?
Patrick and Jillian's first meeting could easily be mistaken for a scene from a romantic comedy. Speaking to People the mum-of-three recalled how, in 1994, Patrick had spontaneously scheduled an appointment at her LA hair salon, Delux, but after seeing the booking Jillian had assumed it was a prank by another employee. "I was shocked," she said, after seeing Patrick walk through the door, "But at the same time, I was happy because he was so cute."
© GettyAt the time Patrick and Jillian were both in relationships, so for the next three years they would only see each other when he was coming in for the occasional haircut. After becoming single, however, Patrick later learned that Jillian had also become unattached and quickly asked her on a date – and the rest is history!
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When did Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink get married?
Patrick and Jillian married on July 31, 1999. The couple tied the knot at his family's farmhouse in Maine. According to Jillian's sister and business partner, Kristen Mason, "He saw her and started crying." Following their wedding, Patrick and Jillian would later welcome a daughter, Talula in 2002, and sons, Sullivan and Darby in 2007.
In 2015 – after 16 years of marriage – Jillian filed for divorce before reconciling with Patrick. Addressing their brief split, the actor told PEOPLE magazine: "Our marriage was not something I was prepared to let go of. I didn't feel like we had done all the work. And we both wanted to do that work. That's where it started." They have since been happily married and recently marked their 24th wedding anniversary over the summer.
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