Patrick Dempsey’s Painful Confession About Marriage to Wife Who Was 26 Years Older

Patrick Dempsey issued a sorrowful revelation following the dissolution of his marriage to Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Parker in 1994.

The two met when Dempsey was 18 and Parker was 44 amid a theatrical performance of the play Brighton Beach Memoirs. Dempsey and Parker were cast as nephew and aunt in the production.

From that point, their mutual affection grew to such an extent that by the close of 1984, Dempsey and Parker were not merely professional associates, but romantically linked as well.

Alongside dating a woman 26 years his senior, Dempsey reportedly employed his partner as his dedicated acting instructor and manager.

The couple maintained their relationship largely out of the public eye and they wed in 1987.

Even prior to exchanging vows, Dempsey and Parker were scarcely spotted together publicly.

It was uncommon to encounter Dempsey and Parker in public (Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
It was uncommon to encounter Dempsey and Parker in public (Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Ultimately, Dempsey and Parker separated in 1994, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the grounds for divorce.

During the proceedings, Parker alleged that Dempsey had assaulted her on the set of the 1987 film, Can’t Buy Me Love.

Nevertheless, these allegations were later withdrawn as Parker stated she had been ‘counseled to make’ such claims by a legal advisor.

In a discussion with Barbara Walters in 2006, Dempsey characterized his marriage as a ‘Freudian nightmare that is public record’, as he further noted: “I think I required a mother.”

“There were numerous damaging elements that I am still unraveling from it. She had a son who was one year my senior,” the now 60-year-old remarked at the time.

The actor has since wed Jillian Fink (Jason Mendez/Getty Images)
The actor has since wed Jillian Fink (Jason Mendez/Getty Images)
Parker died aged 74 in April 2019 following a diagnosis of lung and throat cancer.

Since divorcing Parker, Dempsey proceeded to marry make-up artist Jillian Fink, 60, with whom he has subsequently had three children.

In 2023, the Grey’s Anatomy star was designated Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine.

“I’m pleased it’s occurring at this stage in my life,” the actor informed the publication. “It’s agreeable to receive the acknowledgment, and certainly my ego enjoys a slight boost, but it provides me the platform to utilize it for something constructive.”

Dempsey continued to say he was left ‘utterly stunned’ at being granted the title, while Fink stated: “Well, the secret is revealed for 2023 @people’s #SexiestManAlive and my hubz is on the cover!

“Adored being part of this wildly fun journey with you @patrickdempsey.”

She added: “What a distinction! You truly are my sexiest man alive.”