Patrick Dempsey’s Son Darby, 18, Turns Heads with His Striking Resemblance to His Dad

An innocent set of Instagram snapshots has set the internet ablaze, and it's all thanks to the breathtaking genes of one beloved "Grey's Anatomy" heartthrob.

On November 26, 2025, Jillian Dempsey, celebrity makeup artist and wife of actor Patrick Dempsey, quietly shared a collection of photos featuring their strikingly handsome 18-year-old son, Darby Dempsey. But the serene setting couldn't stop what came next: an explosion of online chatter as fans and followers marveled at the teenager's uncanny resemblance to his famous father.

The Photoshoot

Shot in a peaceful forested area near a lake ablaze with autumn colors, the photo series had all the makings of a cozy scene. But Darby, with his chiseled jawline, tousled hair, and piercing blue eyes, made everything even more eye-catching.

Wearing a flannel shirt over a plain white undershirt, blue jeans, and short black boots, the young Dempsey looked effortlessly cool. But it wasn't just the outfit that caught attention. Each photo carried a quiet intensity, the kind that echoes from a family legacy of smoldering stares and brooding charm.

In one standout image, Darby sat on a wooden bench before a canoe, resting his chin thoughtfully on his hand in a classic pensive pose.

Another captured him staring directly into the camera, seated near the lake's edge, exuding a quiet self-assurance beyond his years. His slightly messy hair, styled just enough to seem accidental, was perfect for the shoot.

A Real-Life Derek Shepherd Vibe in the Woods

A particularly arresting black-and-white portrait showed him perched atop a motorcycle, evoking the vibes of his father's early "Grey's Anatomy" days, where Patrick Dempsey's character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, lived in a trailer in the woods.

Jillian, ever the professional stylist, made sure to credit her tools in the caption, writing:

"PHOTO DUMP of @darby.g.dempsey. We started off with fluffy hair, then we decided to chop into it ✂️ For the rest of the images I used my Roadie Hair Pomade. Fun and fast moving! A Tip: Warm up the Roadie Pomade in your palms and fingertips for the perfect style and texture [sic]."

Fans Fawn Over 'Patrick's Twin' as Comments Pour In

It didn't take long for netizens to flood the comment section with praise for the young man's good looks, but they also mentioned their shock at just how much he resembles like his dad.

"Wow, that is such a cross between both you and Patrick so handsome," one person gushed. Another added, "Very handsome young man, looks like his dad!"

The comparisons kept rolling in with one netizen writing, "Oh my gosh he is the spitting image of a young Patrick xx," while another declared, "He's is [sic] just so handsome!"

One fan summed up the vibe perfectly, "Beautiful location and a good looking [sic] young man 🔥." And perhaps the most blunt comment said, "patrick's twin fr omg [sic]."

More 'Mini-Me' Kids

Patrick isn't the only "Grey's Anatomy" cast member with children that have caught netizen's eyes. As previously reported, Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery raised two daughters and a son, and the internet has sometimes lost it over how much their kids looked exactly like them, especially Sienna May Pompeo Ivery.

Born in 2014, she was featured in her mother's lighthearted Instagram post two years later. Alongside a photo of her daughter, Ellen wrote, "Wait... How many minutes till Greys premiere?????? @greysabc #season13."

But the photo that caught more attention was uploaded in August 2020. Ellen shared a photo with her second daughter, both smiling in front of large green leaves.

In the caption, the actress wrote about her excitement to speak with Senator Ed Markey regarding the Green New Deal and her hopes for a better planet for future generations. She also praised his long-standing work for racial, social, and environmental justice.

But netizens disregarded the caption, focusing on the pair’s appearance, as many were stunned by how much Sienna looked just like her father. Comments included, "Your daughter looks a lot like her dad," "She looks just like your hubby," and "Beautiful girl! Looks just like her dad!"

Others pointed to similarities between mother and daughter. One netizen noted, "You kinda look alike [sic]," while another wrote, "Beautiful like mother [sic]."

There were also remarks that offered contrasting views. One person stated, "Your children look nothing like you. How sad," while others referred to the two as "Twins."