Leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Saved Patrick Dempsey’s Marriage — Report

Not that it’s much consolation to McDreamy fans, but a new report says Patrick Dempsey’s dramatic exit from Grey's Anatomy was the best thing he could have done for his marriage.

Indeed the 50-year-old and wife Jillian have made a remarkable recovery in the past two years, but did it have to cost Meredith Grey her happily-ever-after?

If you were too busy binge-watching Grey’s in 2015 to hear the news, Jillian filed for divorce from Patrick in January of that year, the makeup artist citing irreconcilable differences.

Three months later, we heard reports Grey’s exec producer Shonda Rhimes had fired Patrick for diva-like behavior on set as he became less interested in acting and more interested in auto racing.

Within days, Derek Shepherd had lost his life on Grey’s, and the actor was done with the ABC hit.

Now, all this time later, an OK! Magazine source says that climactic chapter in his life reoriented his priorities.

“He thought the world revolved around him, rather than seeing it should revolve around his family,” the source says.

“Getting fired from the show gave Patrick time he needed to woo Jillian again,” the magazine’s tattler continues.

“He got a big head starring on Grey’s… His TV death was the wake-up call he needed.”

Now Patrick’s midlife crisis seems to be behind him. The People’s Choice winner has a blockbuster movie out, a TV project in development, and — most importantly — his family intact.

Our loss is his gain, apparently!

See more of Wetpaint’s coverage of Patrick Dempsey below:
Patrick Dempsey Talks Having Sex in a $1 Million Porsche
Patrick Dempsey “Can Understand” His Diva Reputation (VIDEO)
Real-Life Doctors Mock Patrick Dempsey Ad (VIDEOS)