Patrick Dempsey's Marriage Sacrifice

What Patrick Dempsey did when his wife walked out on him is something no other Hollywood actor would ever dare to do.

Back in the 2010s, Patrick Dempsey wasn't just another working actor.

He was sitting at the absolute top of the television food chain.

He had spent a grueling 11 seasons playing Dr. Derek Shepherd

on the global cultural phenomenon Grey's Anatomy, raking in $400,000 per episode.

With around 24 episodes a season,

he was bringing home nearly $10 million a year just from his base salary alone.

Not even counting his massive syndication royalties, back-end profits,

and high-end endorsement deals with brands like Versace and L'Oreal.

He was building a massive empire, but success came with a brutal price tag.

He was regularly clocking 18-hour days on set, leaving him virtually no time to ever be at home.

The constant absence pushed his family to a complete breaking point.

After 15 years of marriage, Patrick's wife, Jillian Fink, officially filed for divorce.

The actor was completely devastated.

But instead of hiring high-powered attorneys to fight for his multi-million dollar fortune

in a bitter court battle, Patrick fought for his wife.

He reportedly looked at Jillian and told her, "I choose you. I choose us.

The show can replace a doctor, our kids can't replace their dad."

Patrick quit the role and completely abandoned

the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for six straight months.

He put 100% of his energy into rebuilding the broken trust with his family.

And his extreme gamble paid off. In 2016, Jillian officially went to court and withdrew the divorce papers.

They successfully saved their marriage, and today, they are still happily together.