The ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ Patrick Dempsey (57) about his exercise routine: “The older I get, the more work I have to do”

“The older you get, the more work you have to do.” That’s what Patrick Dempsey says, soon to be seen on the big screen Ferrari but already world famous for his role as Derek ‘McDreamy’ Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy. The actor was voted the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ at the beginning of this week. A title that People magazine has been handing out since 1985. A selection of the names that preceded him: Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Idris Elba.

At the TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live Dempsey responded, somewhat surprised. “I burst out laughing when I heard it. I’m always number two, right?” But it is good for his ego, it sounds. In an interview with People Dempsey gives some more text and explanation about how he became the sexiest man in the world. That is not a big secret, the 57-year-old actor swears by sports.

Teenage sons

“I have two teenage sons (16 year old twins Sullivan and Darby, ed) that keep me very active and I have to stay in shape to keep up with them,” said Dempsey. “The boys challenge me. They also ask me questions about whether I train hard enough.” Although Dempsey also notices: growing older has an impact. “I want to stay active, but the older you get, the more work you have to do. The basic condition I had when I was twenty, I now have to work harder for. But I want to keep moving anyway, which is also psychologically good.”

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The actor starts early in the day. “When I get up in the morning, I train in the gym at home. Afterwards I’ll play some tennis or do something with the kids. Or cycling, that also keeps me active.” Cycling and mountain biking are especially good for his cardio, Dempsey adds. “Although I haven’t been able to spend as much time on it lately as I would like.” The work has something to do with that: Dempsey has had busy recording periods. He will be seen this year in Ferrariwhich stars Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz, as well as the horror film Thanksgiving.

“I’m slowly starting to pick up the pace again because I can exercise more consistently with my current schedule.” Dempsey says he plans to hit the gym at least three times a week. “That, and more cardio.”

Cake and sweets

And as for his diet? Dempsey doesn’t have that. Although the actor does try to eat healthy, “and for the most part it works out quite well.” There is one problem: his daughter, 21-year-old Talula, likes to bake. “She’s a great pastry chef and she likes to experiment a lot, and I have a sweet tooth so I always eat it. That’s my weakness. Her cakes and cookies. And sweets, I like sweets too.”