Although he is perhaps best known as the unlikely heartthrob of such classic 80s nostalgia films as "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Loverboy", Dempsey has grown into a mature actor and a talent that Hollywood continues to recognize. He recently completed production on Paramount's "Freedom Writers," opposite Hilary Swank, and the Disney film "Enchanted."

Dempsey nabbed an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Aaron Brooks, Sela Ward's psychologically unbalanced brother in the critically acclaimed "Once and Again."

In 2004 he co-starred in the highly-acclaimed HBO production, "Iron Jawed Angels," opposite Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston. Other credits include Disney's "Sweet Home Alabama," opposite Reese Witherspoon, "Scream 3," "With Honors," "Outbreak," "Hugo Pool," "The Treat," "The Palace Thief," "Heaven Help Us," "Happy Together," "Some Girls," "Coupe De Ville," "Run," "Mobsters" and "In the Mood."

In 2003 Dempsey made a memorable appearance on NBC's hit show "Will & Grace" as Will's love interest. Additionally he starred in the NBC movie based on Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment," opposite Ben Kingsley. He also appeared in the television miniseries "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," with Michael Caine, and co-starred with Oliver Reed in the biblical epic "Jeremiah." Other television movies and miniseries include "JFK: Reckless Youth," "A Season in Purgatory," "Blood Knot," "The Right to Remain Silent," "Shallow Grave" and "Blonde."

Dempsey was born and raised in Lewiston, Maine. He first appeared on stage as David in the San Francisco production of "Torch Song Trilogy." Other early stage work included "On Golden Pond" for the Maine Acting Company, the international touring production of "Brighton Beach Memoirs," which was directed by Gene Saks, and "The Subject Was Roses" at the Roundabout Theatre in New York. He recently took the stage in The Pasadena Playhouse run of "The Importance of Being Earnest," as Algernon Moncrieff.

In addition to acting, Dempsey is an avid racing enthusiast and has participated in the Panoz Series and the Pro Miata series. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Jillian, and their daughter, Talula.

HOMETOWN............ Lewiston, ME
BIRTHDATE............. January 13