Patrick Dempsey: The Doctors He Could’ve Been Before Grey’s Anatomy

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I’ve had the pleasure of watching one of the longest-running medical dramas globally – Grey’s Anatomy – and it’s truly remarkable how this show has launched the careers of some exceptional American actors like Jesse Williams, Sandra Oh, and many others. Among these rising stars, Patrick Dempsey stands out as one of the most successful alumni of Grey’s Anatomy.

Initially known solely as Dr. Derek Shepherd from Grey’s Anatomy, Dempsey surprisingly tried out for significant roles in House, M.D., a move that, according to fans, could have significantly changed the atmosphere of the hit medical series.

Patrick Dempsey Almost Played Dr. Gregory House

While many people might think that “Grey’s Anatomy” was the only significant medical drama from the early 2000s, “House, MD” actually premiered a year prior to Shonda Rhimes’ successful series. Unlike the characters in “Grey’s Anatomy”, the protagonist of “House, MD”, Dr. Gregory House, was an oddball genius who used his biting wit and sharp intellect to solve medical puzzles related to his patients. It is important to note that despite his brilliance, Dr. House wasn’t particularly likable. He either mistreated his sick patients or harassed his boss, Dr. Lisa Cuddy. Compared to the charismatic and endearing character of Derek Shepherd from “Grey’s Anatomy”, it is clear that these two men were polar opposites in terms of personality.

Surprisingly, many viewers might find it hard to believe that Patrick Dempsey auditioned for the role of Gregory House not long after he tried out for Grey’s Anatomy. Despite his determination, he expressed doubts about his acting skills and appearance, fearing he wouldn’t get the part of Derek Shepherd. However, he shouldn’t be too disheartened because he faced stiff competition. The casting process for this role was incredibly challenging, with many well-known actors vying for it. For instance, Dennis Leary and David Cross from Arrested Development also auditioned. It appears the production team was seeking a more comedic actor at that time, and Dempsey was mainly known for romantic comedies like Can’t Buy Me Love and sitcoms like Will & Grace.

Many viewers find it surprising that Hugh Laurie landed the role of House, considering his past work as a comedic actor. Before graduating from university, Laurie had already garnered numerous accolades for his comedy and was planning to create some of his most famous TV sketches. Known for partnering with Stephen Fry, it was uncommon to see Laurie acting alone. However, while filming Flight of the Phoenix in Namibia, he secretly recorded an audition tape for the show. Interestingly, House MD’s executive producer, Bryan Singer, didn’t realize that Laurie was adopting an American accent and found his unique tone intriguing. Consequently, while some actors like Dempsey didn’t get the part of House, Hugh Laurie wasn’t the typical choice either.

He Also Tried Out for Robert Chase

I strongly considered, and even tried out for, both roles of Patrick Dempsey – one being Dr. Robert Chase, the other being Dr. Gregory House. Despite some doubting my ability to portray House’s biting wit, many fans felt that I had a good shot at playing Chase. He was often referred to as House’s ‘Yes Man’, faithfully following the doctor’s orders, no matter how questionable they seemed. However, he also possessed an endearing boyish charm that made him quite the heartthrob throughout the series.

Many people might find it unexpected that Dempsey, who was primarily recognized for his roles in romantic comedies, wasn’t initially considered for this role. Despite being a familiar face to Americans, Spencer had only appeared in a few U.S. films at the time, such as “Winning London” with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Yet, it appears that the casting team also overlooked Dempsey’s potential fit for this specific part.

Initially, Jesse Spencer, who later became known for his portrayal of Robert Chase on the show, wasn’t particularly interested in the role. His agent encouraged him to give it a shot, but he mistakenly thought it would be much like General Hospital due to its soap opera format. Given that Spencer had already made a name for himself on the popular series Neighbours, it was understandable that he’d consider another soap opera. However, when he auditioned for House, MD, he discovered that it was more of a comedy-drama than a typical long-running drama. Eager to infuse some of his own personality into the role, Spencer successfully convinced the producers to make Robert Chase an Australian character.

Fans Believe That Dempsey Was Made for Grey’s Anatomy

It’s amusing for spectators to envision Patrick Dempsey hobbling through Princeton-Plainsboro with a stormy expression, but it’s clear that everything turned out well in the end since he eventually secured the role of Derek Shepherd. To put it another way, Dempsey seemed to embrace this character effortlessly and immediately demonstrated the doctor’s charm and dedication. This doesn’t imply that Dr. Shepherd was flawless. In fact, he had many imperfections. However, Dempsey was able to delve deeply into the character’s greatest fears and portrayed his complex three-dimensional personality. Of course, it would be misleading not to mention Derek without discussing his captivating chemistry with Meredith Grey. Despite facing numerous challenges in their relationship, they still became one of TV’s most iconic couples.

As a movie critic, I must acknowledge that “House MD” is not just about its captivating plotlines, but equally about its exceptional cast, particularly Hugh Laurie. For fans worldwide, it’s crucial to understand the British roots of this talented actor. Beyond his comedic sketches with Stephen Fry, he graced our screens in “The Young Ones.” Furthermore, Laurie’s aristocratic background and elite education add layers of depth to his character that truly set him apart.

Although his acting ability isn’t affected, it’s essential for viewers to understand that in real life, Laurie and House live quite contrasting lives. Yet, surprisingly, he handled this intense role with finesse, eventually becoming closely associated with the doctor. Now, many British comedians, such as James Corden and Jack Whitehall, have gained popularity in America. On the other hand, one could say that Laurie paved the way for a profitable trend of British actors venturing into diverse, unconventional roles in Hollywood.

Jesse Spencer, an actor who started working when he was a teenager, has always managed to keep a pure and unsullied image. Even though his show “Neighbours” tackled serious issues like any other soap opera, it aired before the watershed, so it remained quite innocent. As Spencer grew older and took on more roles, “House, MD” was a game-changer. Almost overnight, this young actor with a baby face was given the opportunity to display his more mature side, taking part in adult storylines and character development. In essence, this intriguing and occasionally absurd medical show helped to redefine the image of Australian soap operas and transform Spencer into the embodiment of fast-paced US dramas.

As a movie critic, I find it more productive to delve into the unique triumphs of medical dramas like “House, MD” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” rather than drawing comparisons between them. Prior to these two groundbreaking series, “ER” set the stage in the television landscape, giving us iconic stars such as George Clooney, Alex Kingston, and Eriq La Salle. However, while “ER” left an indelible mark on the industry, it didn’t quite sustain the enduring influence of its successors.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” with a staggering 21 seasons under its belt, has become one of the most watched shows globally. On the other hand, though “House, MD” wrapped up in 2012, its fanbase continues to yearn for a revival or spin-off, demonstrating its lasting impact.

Despite Patrick Dempsey not landing roles as Dr. Gregory House or Dr. Robert Chase, both “House, MD” and “Grey’s Anatomy” seem to have found their ideal casts, each contributing significantly to the world of medical drama.

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2025-04-19 23:21