Patrick Dempsey is People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive. “I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life,” the actor tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.” Closest to his heart is the Dempsey Center, which he founded in honor of his late mom to support cancer patients and their loved ones. What went through his mind when he first heard the news? “I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” he says, laughing. “I’d completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good.”