• Patrick Dempsey was one of 14 people named a Disney Legend at the company’s fan convention, D23 Expo.
• Dempsey surprised the crowd, debuting platinum blonde hair to accept the award.
• The actor later told Variety the hair was for an upcoming role in a movie, XX.

Patrick Dempsey surprised fans at Disney’s D23 Expo when he took the Hall D23 stage Friday morning with a new ‘do. 

The “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Disenchanted” star showed off bright platinum blonde hair to accept his title as a new Disney Legend, a status given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the company’s legacy. 

As a reminder, this is how Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s,” usually looks:

As Dempsey accepted his award, people online were distracted by the actor’s new mysterious hair, which appeared white from afar.

Some people were digging the look. 

—Jillian Sederholm (@JillianSed) September 9, 2022

—lil’ homicide 👽🌟🪩 (@ianolympio) September 9, 2022

—Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) September 9, 2022

Others? Not so much.

—Kelly (@KJoBriscoe) September 9, 2022

—Mer🤍 (@Merxleighann) September 10, 2022

Dempsey didn’t care though, telling Variety’s Marc Malkin, “I love it. It’s great. It’s fun to do something different. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I’m known for my hair so this has really jacked up a lot of people who don’t know how to embrace it. Either they love it or they hate it.”

Dempsey said he has to keep his hair blonde for two more months while he’s filming Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” movie in Italy. 

“I like it,” Dempsey added, insisting that others should change up their looks. “Dye your hair. Have fun. Blondes have more fun. I have to tell you, it’s true.”

Patrick Dempsey was one of 14 honorees on Friday to be inducted as a Disney Legend. Over the past 35 years, a total of a total of 304 Disney Legends have been named. Previous honorees include Tim Allen, Robert Downey Jr., Barbara Walters, George Lucas, and Susan Lucci.

During Dempsey’s heartfelt speech, the 56-year-old actor got a bit choked up as he reflected back on his career.

“It’s remarkable to be standing here. It’s very moving,” Dempsey said. “I look at how many films and projects I’ve done with Disney. It’s been a profound experience. I’m so grateful to be a part of that.”

“And with the success of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ worldwide, it gives you an incredible platform. And, I think, that in itself is special, but fame is not everything. It’s sometimes very empty,” Dempsey continued, adding, “The most important thing is to be of service, to give back.”

Dempsey told the crowd how he’s given back to his hometown of Lewiston, Maine after his mother lost a battle with ovarian cancer. 

“Because of Derek Shepherd, I was able to open up a center called the Dempsey Center for cancer, hope, and healing.” Dempsey said of his no-cost support center which offers counseling, therapies, support groups, and more.

“Our mission is to spread the word because I truly belieeve that as soon as someone is diagnosed with cancer they should have these types of services immediately to complement traditional medicine,” Dempsey continued to applause and cheers from the D23 crowd. 

Dempsey added: “I got some great advice before I left Maine: ‘Never forget where you came from.’ And, I think that’s an important thing.”

You can watch Dempsey’s speech below in full.