Grey’s Anatomy
Grey ’s Anatomygave a big boost to the vocation of its main cast of characters , even though many of them were already known worker , as is the case of Patrick Dempsey , though he was n’t the only actor interested in the role of Derek Shepherd – here are the actors who could have dally this darling eccentric . Created by Shonda Rhimes , Grey ’s Anatomypremiered on ABC in 2005 and start as a mid - season replacement , but it was so well - received by critics and viewer that it has go on for over 10 season . Grey ’s Anatomyshows no sign of the zodiac of kibosh soon , even if some of its most popular characters are now go .
Grey ’s Anatomyfollows the introductory premiss of aesculapian dramas and focuses on the lives of surgical medical intern , residents , and attendings as they hoodwink their professional and personal lives , which often stop up overlapping and produce a lot of conflict and drama . Grey ’s Anatomyis led by Meredith Grey ( Ellen Pompeo ) , who viewers have seen go from an houseman atSeattle Grace Hospitalto head of general surgery , while also comply her personal life quite tight . Meredith married Derek Shepherd ( Patrick Dempsey ) , best known as “ McDreamy ” , and while they run through a lot of ups and down , they were a rooter - favorite couple . Derek died in time of year 11but revert in a dream sequence in time of year 17 as Meredith fight COVID-19 .
touch : How Grey ’s Anatomy tease Derek Shepherd ’s Death 6 Seasons Early
Derek Shepherd became a favorite amongGrey ’s Anatomyfans and Patrick Dempsey became a wide - known name , but even though Shonda Rhimes has divvy up she bed he was her “ McDreamy ” the moment she saw him , there were other actors interested in and considered to play the purpose . Here are the actors who almost play Derek Shepherd inGrey ’s Anatomy .
Grey’s Anatomy: Rob Lowe Could Have Played Derek Shepherd
Although Patrick Dempsey was not a newcomer when he joinedGrey ’s Anatomy , having seem in flick likeScream 3andSweet Home Alabama , there was a bigger name than him in consideration to play Derek Shepherd : Rob Lowe . However , he turn down the offer in favor of starring in another aesculapian play , this one from CBS , titledDr . Vegas , which sadly , only endure 10 episodes . Lowe ’s big break came with his first motion-picture show role in Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Outsidersin 1983 , after which he became an icon of the decade , appear in moving-picture show likeSt . Elmo ’s FireandWayne ’s World , and later on in the drama TV seriesThe West Wing . The bankruptcy ofDr . Vegaswasn’t the end of Lowe ’s vocation , who later come out in movies likeBehind the Candelabraand TV shows likeBrothers & SistersandParks & Recreation . His most recent credits include the rom - comHoliday in the Wildand the play television series9 - 1 - 1 : Lone Star .
An thespian whoauditioned to meet Derek Shepherd is Isaiah Washington , but he was wrench down . However , he was called back after Paul Adelstein , who had been cast as Dr. Preston Burke , dropped out , and so he was given that role . Washington leftGrey ’s Anatomyin season 3 after an incident with co - starT.R. Knight , and unlike otherGrey ’s Anatomycharacters , he has n’t returned , though he has been note a couple of time . After his time inGrey ’s Anatomycame to an end ( and before his return in time of year 17 ) , Patrick Dempsey appear in the movieBridget Jone ’s Babyand served as producer inThe fine art of Racing in the Rain , and is also set to return in theEnchantedsequel , Disenchanted – in the meanwhile , he plays the lead role in the play TV seriesDevils . Grey ’s Anatomywould have been very different without Patrick Dempsey , and it ’s up to viewing audience ’ imaging if Rob Lowe would have made a better McDreamy or not .
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