Dr. Derek Shepherd is one of the most beloved characters and not just in Grey’s Anatomy, but in general. His charm, sweetness, and brains make him the absolute full package that a few people dream about. There is a solid reason why he is called McDreamy and many fans were heartbroken when he was killed in season 11.
While some say that this was the best thing that happened to the show, there are twice as many fans that strongly disagree. In fact, a lot of people would say he was one of the best characters, based solely on the way Dempsey portrays emotional scenes. Just take a look at these examples – these all struck a chord with fans.
“I’m A Human Being. I Make Mistakes, I’m Flawed, We All Are.” (6.23)
Working as a renowned neurosurgeon is one of the hardest professions out there. There are no easy days where one can relax and wait for the shift to be over. In the case of Derek Shepherd, one mistake can be fatal and somebody can lose their life.
This quote can have one more interpretation as many fans know he has made a few mistakes personally and professionally by choosing the wrong action.
“Yes Or No. In Or Out. Up Or Down. Live Or Die. Hero Or Coward. Fight Or Give In. I’ll Say It Again To Make Sure You Hear Me.” (6.24)
These are those little speeches that form a strong bond between Derek and the rest of the cast and also the quote certainly caused chills and goosebumps with many viewers.
“It’s A Beautiful Day To Save Lives.”
Like any other character on the show, Derek Shepherd had his signature line that he was famous for. He felt good about himself and he found purpose in what he did just by saying “it’s a beautiful day to save lives”.
It is a simple sentence which to many might not be much but to him, it was a job well done. To look on a career as a doctor with such ease means that one is destined to thrive in this line of work.
”You. You’re Everything. I Love You, And I’m Not Going To Stop Loving You. I Can’t Live Without You. I Don’t Want To Live Without You, And I’m Going To Do Everything In My Power To Prove It.” (11.17)
It takes a lot of courage for anyone to admit that they thought their ex would be the one and that they were wrong about this person the entire time. Admitting this and then saying the quote above was one of the riskiest moves that Derek has ever pulled off.
“You Deserve To Be With Somebody Who Makes You Happy. Somebody Who’s Not Gonna Complicate Your Life. Somebody Who Won’t Hurt You.” (3.4)
Throughout the seasons, there were a few times where both Meredith and Derek found themselves in a role as a patient. This time after being on morphine Meredith was curious to find out the things she was belaboring and if she has said anything embarrassing.
However, instead of finding out the answer, Derek felt the need to express his feelings with a heartbreaking statement and an announcement that he is walking away.
“You’re The Love Of My Life. I Can’t Leave You. But You’re Constantly Leaving Me.” (3.25)
Derek was known to be very upfront with his emotions towards Meredith. The only thing he wanted throughout the majority of the show was for them to be on the same page and move on as a happy couple.
A couple of times they would arrive at this place and something would break the path to the happy ever after moment. The wedding of Cristina Yang was one of these famous moments where they almost had it.
“Breakthroughs Don’t Happen Because Of The Medicine. Real Breakthroughs Happen Because Someone Is Scared To Death To Stop Trying.” (7.05)
When Derek decides to prove a point to his fellow colleagues he does it in the most dramatic way possible. He will say the most dramatic thing to make sure he has all the attention on him.
This time he got very real with Richard Webber as he was heartbroken and leaving the hospital due to him losing a patient. Eventually, Derek found his way back but the quote will remain as a very powerful one.
“She’s Difficult, But If You Make An Effort, She’s Worth It.” (3.17)
Derek Shepherd has a legit justification for his nickname “McDreamy.” One of the reasons is the way he looks at others when he talks about his loved one and another thing is a quote like this one “She’s difficult, but if you make an effort, she’s worth it.”
He is definitely the full package and one more reason why most of the viewers look forward to a new episode.
“You Were Like Coming Up For Fresh Air. It’s Like I Was Drowning And You Saved Me.” (2.01)
He only wished for her to listen and understand him as he poured his heart out when she cut him off, asking whether she meant anything to him or she was just another rebound. Then and there Derek said the heartwarming words, but unfortunately, at the moment, she wasn’t as thrilled as the audience.
“I Want To Marry You. I Want To Have Kids With You. I Want To Build Us A House. I Want To Settle Down And Grow Old With You. I Want To Die When I’m 110 Years Old In Your Arms. I Don’t Want 48 Uninterrupted Hours. I Want A Lifetime.” (4.04)
The hard conversations between Meredith and Derek usually happened in the hospital halls when the audience was the least expecting it. As Derek was about to leave, Meredith caught up to him to announce that she will be free for the next 48 hours to spend time with him.
As she was full of excitement, Derek, in his classic straightforward behavior, told her that this is not enough for him and how he envisioned a life for them together.
