Patrick Dempsey — who had the world swooning when he burst onto the scene nearly 20 years ago on "Grey's Anatomy" — has won the title of People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.
You may assume he's already won the Sexiest Man Alive award numerous times, given how often he's graced the cover of People over the years. But it turns out this is his first time — and the 57-year-old "Ferrari" actor couldn't be more gracious to join the likes of past winners, which include "The Voice" coach John Legend as well as country star Blake Shelton.
"I'm glad it's happening at this point in my life," the Maine native told People. "It's nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive."
He's using the publicity boost to promote the charity closest to his heart: the Dempsey Center, which he founded in honor of his late mother to support cancer patients and their families.
He was flabbergasted when he heard the news.
"I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I've always been the bridesmaid!" he said, laughing.
"I'd completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good."
The husband to Julia, 57, will have that ego checked by his kids: Talula, 21, and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby.
"[They're] just going to make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn't be," he added. "Which is good, they keep me young."
Dempsey stars in the upcoming film "Ferrari" alongside Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz. The biopic chronicles the summer of 1957 when Ferrari faced financial ruin and decided to risk it all by partaking in a dangerous 1,000-mile race across Italy. Dempsey had to beef up his skills behind the wheel for the Michael Mann-directed project, as he reportedly did all of the driving himself.
"I'd been following the movie for years, so I called Michael and said, 'I want to discuss being a part of this,' " Dempsey explained. "That taught me if you really want something, you have to do it yourself."
"Ferrari" zooms into theaters on Christmas Day this year.
