At a Glance
- Patrick Dempsey turns 60 on January 13, 2026, celebrating with wife Jillian and three children
- The couple met in 1994 when the future McDreamy walked into Jillian’s salon for an appointment
- They wed on July 31, 1999, and share daughter Tallula (2002) and twin boys Darby and Sullivan (2007)
- Why it matters: Their enduring Hollywood marriage shows how commitment and work can weather fame, brief splits, and decades together
Patrick Dempsey is marking a milestone birthday, turning 60 on January 13, 2026, surrounded by wife Jillian Dempsey and their three children. The Grey’s Anatomy alum and renowned makeup artist have built a 26-year marriage that began with a chance salon appointment and grew into one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships.
From Salon Chair to Soulmates
When Jillian Fink saw Patrick Dempsey’s name on her salon appointment list in 1994, she assumed it was another prank. One of her employees had a habit of writing celebrity names on the schedule, so when the future McDreamy walked through the door, she was pleasantly stunned.
“I was shocked,” Jillian previously told News Of Losangeles. “But at the same time, I was happy because he was so cute.”
Their connection began as friendship since both were involved with other people at the time. It wasn’t until 1997 that their relationship turned romantic, leading to their wedding on July 31, 1999.
Building a Family
The Dempseys expanded their family with the birth of daughter Tallula Fyfe on February 20, 2002. Five years later, they welcomed twin boys Darby and Sullivan on February 1, 2007.
From the beginning, Patrick noticed his sons had distinctly different personalities. He described Darby as “reserved and quiet” compared to Sullivan, whom he called “very funny – he has funny expressions in the way he’s taking things in.”
Weathering Storms
Their marriage faced challenges, including a brief split in 2015. The couple worked through their difficulties rather than giving up on their relationship.
“Our marriage was not something I was prepared to let go of,” Patrick told News Of Losangeles in 2016. “I didn’t feel like we had done all the work. And we both wanted to do that work. That’s where it started.”
Anniversary Celebrations
The couple has consistently celebrated their love publicly through social media posts and interviews. On their 26th anniversary, Jillian shared a wedding day photo showing a friend doing a touch-up, joking it might have been “picking something out of my teeth.”
“I love you so much and the life we’ve created with our three ‘adult’ children,” she wrote. “To new adventures!”
Patrick posted the same image with an emotional caption: “I can’t imagine life without you. Thank you so much for your love and support and understanding. Loving my weaknesses as much as my strength you’re an incredible mother and an incredible partner.”
For their 25th anniversary, Patrick marked the occasion with a wedding photo and heartfelt message: “25 years, it feels like just yesterday! I can’t get over how quickly the time has gone by. Life would not be the same without you, your vision, your kindness, your compassion, your love, your sexiness, your intelligence, your warmth, your friendship, your wisdom. The love of my life, I’m truly grateful for all that you do and who you are.”
Family Moments
The Dempseys have shared numerous family milestones publicly:
- Wimbledon 2025: Daughter Tallula made a rare appearance with her parents at day 14 of the championships in London
- Graduation Day: Patrick and Jillian attended their twin boys’ high school graduation in matching outfits
- Film Premieres: The entire family supported Patrick at the 2019 premiere of “The Art of Racing in the Rain”
- Ferrari Celebration: The family dressed up for the 2023 Los Angeles premiere of “Ferrari”
Birthday Tributes
Patrick has celebrated his children’s milestones with touching social media posts. For Tallula’s 18th birthday, he wrote: “What a brilliant, compassionate, young woman you have become…so proud of you. You are beautiful inside and out! Love pops!”
On her 23rd birthday, he shared a throwback photo of them on the London Eye, celebrating their travels together.
Public Displays of Affection
The couple hasn’t shied away from showing their love publicly. During a trip to Italy, Patrick shared a kissing photo with the simple caption “Bellisima.” For Mother’s Day 2024, he posted “Happy Mother’s Day to the best mom and wife! We love you.”
Their 24th anniversary post featured Patrick’s message: “24 years !! What an amazing path we have been on! love you! Happy anniversary.”
Key Takeaways
Patrick and Jillian Dempsey’s 26-year marriage demonstrates that Hollywood relationships can endure through commitment, work, and mutual support. From their chance meeting in a salon to raising three children together, they’ve navigated fame, career demands, and personal challenges while maintaining their bond. As Patrick enters his 60th year, their story serves as proof that enduring love in the entertainment industry is possible with dedication and effort from both partners.
