AceShowbiz - Patrick Dempsey claimed his friends were "mad" when he was named People's Sexiest Man Alive. The 57-year-old actor was inundated with messages when the publication unveiled their annual honor earlier this month and he joked he was surprised to realize just how many pals he'd pipped to the title.

Asked about the accolade, he told Entertainment Tonight, "I didn't realize how close the competition was and how many people finished second and how many people were overlooked, and how many people were mad I got it. I'm just happy to be in the game at this point in my life, so it's good. I'm enjoying my moment."

Patrick previously admitted he thought it was a "joke" when he was told he'd be following in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Rudd, Chris Evans, and David Beckham to be named Sexiest Man Alive.

He told People, "I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I've always been the bridesmaid! I'd completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good."

The former "Grey's Anatomy" star, who set up the Dempsey Center in honor of his late mother following her battle with cancer and strives to support others battling the disease with the facility, is married to Jillian Fink and has Talula, 21, as well as 16-year-old twins Darby and Sullivan with her and joked that while he is grateful to have the title at this stage in his life, he knows his kids are just going to "make fun" of him for it.

He said, "I'm glad it's happening at this point in my life. 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. But my kids just going to make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn't be. Which is good, they keep me young!"