5 Shocking Facts About The Patrick Dempsey Cheating Rumors That Nearly Ended His Marriage

The question of whether Patrick Dempsey cheated on his wife, Jillian Fink, is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and explosive rumors, largely centered around his sudden and dramatic exit from the hit show *Grey’s Anatomy* in 2015. While the allegations of an on-set affair were never officially confirmed by the couple, they became the undeniable backdrop to a very real crisis: Jillian Fink’s divorce filing in January 2015. As of December 2025, the couple has not only salvaged their 25-year marriage but has also publicly celebrated their commitment, offering a definitive, if complicated, answer to the persistent speculation.

Patrick Dempsey: A Brief Biography and Profile

Patrick Galen Dempsey, often affectionately known as "McDreamy" from his iconic role, has had a long and successful career spanning decades in film and television. His personal life, particularly his long-standing relationship with makeup artist Jillian Fink, has been a consistent subject of public fascination.

• Full Name: Patrick Galen Dempsey
• Date of Birth: January 13, 1966
• Place of Birth: Lewiston, Maine, USA
• Spouse (First): Rocky Parker (married 1987, divorced 1994)
• Spouse (Current): Jillian Fink (married July 31, 1999)
• Children: Talula Fyfe Dempsey (b. 2002) and twin sons Sullivan Patrick and Darby Galen (b. 2007)
• Notable Roles: Dr. Derek Shepherd on *Grey's Anatomy*, Robert in *Enchanted*, and various roles in films like *Can't Buy Me Love* and *Made of Honor*.
• Recent Achievement: Named *People's* Sexiest Man Alive in 2023.
• Career Focus: Beyond acting, Dempsey is a passionate race car driver and philanthropist, co-founding the Dempsey Center for cancer patients.

The 2015 Scandal: Affair Rumors and the Divorce Filing

The cheating rumors reached a fever pitch in 2015, coinciding directly with a major upheaval in Dempsey's professional and personal life. These allegations are often cited as the true, behind-the-scenes reason for his character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, being abruptly killed off *Grey's Anatomy*—a claim that has been both denied and fueled by anonymous sources.

1. The Allegation of an On-Set Affair

The core of the scandal was the persistent rumor that Patrick Dempsey had engaged in an affair with a younger woman who was either a crew member or a production intern on the set of *Grey's Anatomy*.

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The rumors suggested that this relationship was the final straw for his wife, Jillian Fink, who had reportedly grown tired of his alleged infidelity over the years.

2. The Connection to His *Grey's Anatomy* Exit

Dr. Derek Shepherd's sudden departure from the show shocked millions of fans. While the official reason given was a creative decision, a production insider claimed to a media outlet that Dempsey was "canned" after being caught cheating on his wife with a female employee.

Another, less substantiated rumor suggested his co-star, Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), may have learned about the alleged affair and informed Jillian Fink, leading to the divorce filing.

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3. Dempsey's Denial and Shonda Rhimes' Silence

Patrick Dempsey has publicly denied that he was fired from the show for having an affair. He attributed his departure to the demanding schedule of the show, stating he was "spread too thin" and needed to focus on his family and other passions, like race car driving.

Show creator Shonda Rhimes has famously maintained a policy of not commenting on the internal workings of the show's cast, though reports at the time suggested she was unhappy that the news of the alleged affair had become public.

The Path to Reconciliation: Saving a 25-Year Marriage

Despite the intense speculation and the legal filing for divorce, the couple did not go through with the separation. Jillian Fink officially filed for divorce in January 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. However, over the next year, they began the process of reconciliation, ultimately dismissing the divorce filing.

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4. The Turning Point: Family and Time

Dempsey has since spoken about the effort required to save his marriage. He admitted that the divorce process was "terrifying" and forced him to re-evaluate his priorities. He credits the decision to step away from his grueling work schedule and focus on his family—his wife and three children—as the key factor in their reconciliation.

The actor explained that they both had to commit to the hard work of marriage counseling and open communication. Their shared passion for their children, Talula, Sullivan, and Darby, and a mutual desire to rebuild their foundation proved stronger than the crisis.

5. Their Current Status: Stronger Than Ever

As of late 2025, Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink are still happily married, having celebrated over 25 years together. Their relationship is often highlighted as a testament to working through difficulties, even in the harsh spotlight of Hollywood.

Jillian often accompanies Patrick to major public events, including the 2023 ceremony where he was named *People's* Sexiest Man Alive, where they appeared united and supportive. The couple’s ability to navigate the 2015 cheating rumors, the divorce filing, and the subsequent reconciliation has transformed their narrative from one of scandal to one of resilience and commitment.

In summary, while the rumors of infidelity were pervasive and directly preceded a very real divorce filing, the couple never publicly confirmed the affair. Instead, they focused on repairing their marriage, proving that for them, the alleged scandal was a painful but ultimately survivable chapter in their long relationship timeline.