Who is Patrick Dempsey?

Patrick Dempsey is an American actor and race car driver, best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd (also known as "McDreamy") on the hit medical drama Grey's Anatomy. However, before he became a household name for his acting career, Dempsey got his start in show business as a commercial actor.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, Dempsey appeared in numerous television commercials for products ranging from pizza to sportswear. His breakout commercial role was in a 1987 ad for Super Bowl XXI, in which he played a teen boy eyeing a brunette cheerleader while eating a pizza. The commercial was a hit and helped launch Dempsey's career as a heartthrob.

Dempsey's commercial career continued throughout the 1990s, with notable ads for brands such as Mazda and L'Oreal. In fact, his success in commercials helped him land his first leading film role in 1987's In the Mood.

Although Dempsey no longer appears in commercials, his work in that arena helped pave the way for his success as an actor. Today, he is recognized not only for his acting talent but also for his philanthropic work and passion for auto racing. Despite his busy schedule, Dempsey remains humble and grounded, and is still remembered fondly for his iconic commercial work.