Patrick Dempsey is best-known as McDreamy, né Derek Shepherd, from the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.

His many film credits range from romantic comedies (Maid of Honor, Sweet Home Alabama) to science-fiction flicks (Transformers: Dark of the Moon). And the Golden Globe nominee’s passions outside of film are no less diverse: He’s raced sports cars professionally for a decade (in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24), has founded a cancer treatment center and has a serious passion for wine.

Helping his mother, Amanda, through multiple bouts of ovarian cancer inspired Dempsey, 48, to found the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine, in 2008, which provides support and wellness services to patients, survivors and caregivers. He also launched the Dempsey Challenge, a run, walk and cycle fund-raiser for cancer research. Amanda passed away this past March.