<P> Derek Christopher Shepherd , M.D. , also referred to as `` McDreamy '' , is a fictional surgeon from the ABC medical drama Grey 's Anatomy , portrayed by actor Patrick Dempsey . He made his first appearance during `` A Hard Day 's Night '' , which was broadcast on March 27 , 2005 . Derek was married to Addison Montgomery ( Kate Walsh ) for 12 years , before their divorce in 2006 . Before his death in 2015 , Derek was happily married to his longtime girlfriend Meredith Grey ( Ellen Pompeo ) . The couple are often referred to as `` Mer & Der '' and they have three children together . Shepherd was formerly the Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital , but abruptly resigned as chief in season 7 following the shooting . For his portrayal of Shepherd , Dempsey was nominated in 2006 and 2007 Golden Globe for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Drama for the role , and the 2006 SAG Award for the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series award . </P>
<P> Derek Christopher Shepherd , M.D. , also referred to as `` McDreamy '' , is a fictional surgeon from the ABC medical drama Grey 's Anatomy , portrayed by actor Patrick Dempsey . He made his first appearance during `` A Hard Day 's Night '' , which was broadcast on March 27 , 2005 . Derek was married to Addison Montgomery ( Kate Walsh ) for 12 years , before their divorce in 2006 . Before his death in 2015 , Derek was happily married to his longtime girlfriend Meredith Grey ( Ellen Pompeo ) . The couple are often referred to as `` Mer & Der '' and they have three children together . Shepherd was formerly the Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital , but abruptly resigned as chief in season 7 following the shooting . For his portrayal of Shepherd , Dempsey was nominated in 2006 and 2007 Golden Globe for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Drama for the role , and the 2006 SAG Award for the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series award . </P>
when did derek shepherd leave grey 's anatomy
when did derek shepherd leave grey 's anatomy
2015
2015