Patrick Dempsey appeared in dozens of television shows and movies, including 'Will and Grace' and 'Sweet Home Alabama,' before becoming famous as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the hit series 'Grey's Anatomy.' The handsome actor, born January 13, 1966 in Lewiston, Maine, had to wait many years to hit the big time, but like a good Capricorn, he's patiently built his career on the long, slow climb to the top. Capricorn is a practical earth sign that combines ambition and a staying power that almost always pays off in the end. Hard work comes easily to most people born under this sign, but McDreamy clearly has uncommon charms that make him stand out from the rest. First, he was born with the Moon in the Venus-ruled sign of Libra. While Capricorns sometimes appear tough on the surface, the social skills and graciousness of Patrick's Moon are evident. Libra is the partnership sign that tends to pay attention to others' needs almost as much as their own, and can sometimes be indecisive. The relationship complications of Dr. Shepherd may be fiction created by the 'Grey's Anatomy' writers, but Patrick is especially well-suited to play them on the show.

Venus -- the planet of love, beauty and charm -- is conjunct passionate Mars in Patrick's birth chart. Their union often adds artistic skills and a gift for romance. But there's something a little different about their hook-up here because they're joined in cool and sometimes distant Aquarius, a sign better known for its head than its heart. Seduction comes naturally to those with a close Venus-Mars combo, but the freedom needs of Aquarius suggest that Patrick can reel people in without really letting them get too close. In fact, he may really prefer to be more of a friend than a lover. The astrological story is far from clear, though. Expansive Jupiter in Gemini forms favorable 120-degree trines to Venus and Mars that give him even more allure. This also brings generosity and a playful side. Then there's Neptune, the planet of fantasy that's a perfect fit for Dr. McDreamy. It's in a strong 90-degree angle square to Patrick's Venus and Mars, which makes him an ideal object for unrealized desire, a television heartthrob. Neptune creates a haze that makes it hard to see a person as he really is. This works well for an actor who makes his living in a world of make-believe. But it can complicate off-screen relationships by blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Still, Patrick's chart is a well-balanced blend of earthy, practical Capricorn and artistic, airy Libra and Aquarius that is likely to increase his legion of fans in the years to come.