Patrick Dempsey

Grey’s Anatomy has set the standard for what a medical drama should be, with Patrick Dempsey at its helm, playing the heartthrob Derek. Even more impressive than his good looks were the $400,000 he earned from each episode he starred in.

So it seemed like a bit of a surprise when Dempsey asked to leave the show, in order to shift his focus towards family, and his aspirations of building a career in auto-racing. He has said he left the show a couple seasons later than he should have, but still left the show amicably, staying on good terms with creator Shonda Rhimes. He would go on to describe his starring role as another “chapter” in his own journey.