Patrick Dempsey is PEOPLE‘s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2023! The massive information was introduced on Tuesday night time, November 7 and the Gray’s Anatomy alum, 57, informed the publication that he was “shocked” when he discovered he received the coveted annual race.

“I used to be utterly shocked, after which I began laughing, like, this can be a joke, proper? I’ve all the time been the bridesmaid!” Patrick stated in his interview. “I’d utterly forgotten about it and by no means even contemplated being on this place. So my ego is sweet.”

The dad-of-three admitted that he’s high quality that it took so lengthy to be named the Sexiest Man Alive regardless of his longtime heartthrob standing in Hollywood. The truth is, Patrick feels just like the timing couldn’t have been extra excellent.

“I’m glad it’s occurring at this level in my life,” he informed PEOPLE. “It’s good to have the popularity, and definitely my ego takes a bit bump,” Patrick added, “however it offers me the platform to make use of it for one thing constructive.”

Patrick mentioned his household’s response to him successful the title on Jimmy Kimmel Reside! on November 7.

“They laughed fairly arduous,” he stated. “They had been like, ‘No severely, who’s it?’  I’m like, ‘No, it’s me.’ Actuality got here crashing in.” Patrick additionally joked that he ready for the journal’s photoshoot by fasting and understanding. “It’s a sacrifice. It’s loads of work,” he stated. “I did it for the folks. I fasted and went to the fitness center.”

Final 12 months’s “Sexiest Man Alive” was Captain America himself,  Chris Evans, whereas the 12 months earlier than the title went to his Avengers co-star, Paul Rudd. Michael B. Jordan was given the respect in 2020.

The primary 12 months the “Sexiest Man Alive” award was handed out was in 1985, with Mel Gibson incomes the respect. After him, Mark Harmon, Harry Hamlin, and John F. Kennedy, Jr. took the title. John F. Kennedy Jr. grabbed the respect at 27 years previous in 1988 and is the youngest star to land the title. Sean Connery, who nabbed the title in 1989 at age 59, is the oldest in historical past to take action. Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, and Richard Gere have all been named the “Sexiest Man Alive” twice.

There are 38 winners in whole. Different previous winners embody John Legend in 2019, actor Idris Elba in 2018, Blake Shelton in 2017, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2016, and David Beckham in 2015.