Brief
Kyle MacLachlan reveals he once auditioned for Grey’s Anatomy’s Derek Shepherd
The Twin Peaks star recounts his 2004 audition and why he felt the part required a different kind of charisma.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kyle MacLachlan disclosed in his memoir Fictional Selves that he auditioned for the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy in 2004. He told Entertainment Weekly the character was "in my general wheelhouse" because he had previously played a doctor on Sex and the City.
What happened
MacLachlan said he felt the audition went well but sensed the producers wanted a "dreamier" lead. He doubted his own "smolder appeal" and believed the quality was innate rather than learned. The role ultimately went to Patrick Dempsey after other actors, including Isaiah Washington and Rob Lowe, were considered.
What the reports add
According to the Bustle article, Rob Lowe was offered the part but chose to star in the short‑lived CBS series Dr. Vegas, citing a better meeting with CBS and a stronger vibe. ABC’s director and executive producer Peter Horton said Lowe was "not exactly who we had in mind" for Derek, prompting the network to turn to Dempsey.
What was said
MacLachlan wrote, "I don’t know if I have the requisite smolder appeal to get cast as this kind of guy," and later added, "I believe it’s a quality a person is born with." Peter Horton told Bustle, "The network initially was resistant to it, but we really felt right about it," referring to Dempsey’s casting.
How it came about
The memoir notes that MacLachlan’s earlier role as Dr. Trey MacDougal on Sex and the City gave him familiarity with playing a doctor, yet the casting team ultimately selected Dempsey, who became synonymous with the "McDreamy" persona.
Key facts
- Kyle MacLachlan auditioned for the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy in 2004. (bustle.com)
- MacLachlan felt the producers wanted a "dreamier" lead and doubted his own smolder appeal. (bustle.com)
- Rob Lowe was offered the role but turned it down for the CBS series Dr. Vegas. (bustle.com)
- Peter Horton said the network initially resisted but later felt right about casting Patrick Dempsey. (bustle.com)
Sources
- [1] bustle.com — originally reported as “This ‘SATC’ Star Auditioned For Derek On ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. . . & Honestly, I Can See It”
