As the new spokesman for Sacoor Brothers clothing, a Lisbon based retailer founded in 1989, Patrick Dempsey is now putting his face to the growing brand known for high end fabrics and cuts alike. As a company that began by selling very affordable articles for men and women, they have been on a steady incline ever since. In 2001 Sacoor Brothers opened its first Sacoor Woman store and in 2007, has additionally begun an international expansion. Known as much for his work in film as a teenager in the 80’s as he is now for his role in the now culminating series Grey’s Anatomy, in this interview with Patrick, we get a glimpse of the man and his passions:
After eight years, do you still like to play Dr. Shepherd?
Yes. We are going to start season ten, which is remarkable. We are close to 200 episodes. It was a remarkable journey. Having a job like that in the world we live in today and that has lasted that long, is pretty good, so I’m very grateful for that. Every year and every episode I discover something new, whether it’s in front of the camera or off, with the character, with myself. There is always something to discover if you keep looking for something new and trying to move forward creatively, whether that’s in front of the lens or behind it or with the people you work with or looking at yourself and when trying to understand what you need to improve. I think that show has always forced you to try to improve as a person and as an actor.
Is it easier to play a doctor now than in the beginning?
Good question… At the beginning there was a real sense of discovery, because I knew the character was going to follow the show. Now I know what they expect from me. It’s like being in a band or being in a symphony, you have a specific instrument that you need to play in order to fit in with the entire group. I try to make the most of it. I think we are really just working on being as emotionally engaged in the scene as much as possible.
Will it be difficult to part from that character once the show is over?
I think so, because it’s been a very long relationship. It’s been ten years. That’s a big chunk of your life, it’s been a remarkable experience, it’s given me a wonderful life, a lot of opportunities… So yes, I’m sure it will be.
This character has given you a lot of opportunities?
Yes. The success of the show is worldwide. And that visibility helps you tremendously. Things like this come up and it gives you a lot more choices in life and it provides you very well quality of life, that is very enjoyable.
You auditioned for the role of Dr. House and ended up as a surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy. Would you see yourself working as a real life doctor?
I don’t know if I’d work as a real life doctor, I think there are some great doctors out there. Certainly playing a doctor on television and that visibility has helped me start the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing, in some ways that’s nice. People project on to Shepherd. And to be able to do something that is positive for the community that I grew up in, it’s probably the most satisfying thing for me, that’s come out of Grey’s Anatomy.
Your popularity sky-rocketed with Dr. Shepherd. How do you deal with fame? Can it be hard to handle sometimes or not?
I think you just have to remain grounded. I’m glad it happened at this point of my life, because it doesn’t happen every day and these experiences are very rare. And these opportunities you have are incredible, I’m very grateful for what it’s given me. But you have to take it seriously enough to make the most of it, but you don’t take it too seriously because ultimately fame is fleeting.
You started in the entertainment business in your teens. How did you end up in Hollywood?
I performed in a bar. I did slaps of comedy, in what was called the Vaudeville, the modern vaudevillian and I had an opportunity to do a talent competition and I won that and I ended up going to the national finals in New York where I was introduced to an agent. An agent signed me and then I had an opportunity to audition for Broadway play, which I received and that sort of opened the door for me to get on a national level and make it to New York City. I was seventeen, so it’s been a long ride in this town.
A long but a good ride…
I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve had a career and to be a working actor-which is all I really wanted to be. It’s a challenging profession. I think it’s important to have things outside of it that rounds you out and not make it all about the business. I don’t think it’s satisfying enough.
Do you prefer TV or cinema?
I just prefer working. I don’t care what it is.
For further information about Sacoor Brothers and their latest collections visit www.sacoorbrothers.com
