Over the past few weeks, fans of the first Shonda Rhimes' show in Shondaland have completely freaked out over the death of one of the series' main characters since its very start, Dr. Derek Shepherd, the husband of the show's namesake Meredith Grey - so, now that he's leaving the show that put him back in megastardom, what is Patrick Dempsey's net worth?

Saying that the entirety of Patrick Dempsey's net worth comes from his work in "Grey's Anatomy" is not only absurd, but even disrespectful to his long career, as he first became famous in the 1980s with a romantic comedy called "Can't Buy Me Love," where he became a household name.

However, in recent times there's no doubt that Patrick Dempsey's net worth has come mostly from the first Shondaland show, being in it since its very start; just as it began, his character met Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and they fell in love, having one of the most dramatic and complicated relationships ever portrayed on television.

However, now, after ten years and eleven seasons, the time for Patrick Dempsey's net worth to rise from "Grey's Anatomy" (and its long cancelled spin-off starring his character's ex wife Addison Montgomery, "Private Practice") is finally over: in this week's episode, Derek Shepherd, also known as McDreamy, died.

In his long run as the neurosurgeon, though, Patrick Dempsey's net worth rose considerably, at the end making $350 thousand an episode.

"I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our 'McDreamy,'" said Shonda Rhimes following the death of the character, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "His loss will be felt by all. Now, Meredith and the entire Grey's Anatomy family are about to enter uncharted territory as we head into this new chapter of her life. The possibilities for what may come are endless. As Ellis Grey would say: The carousel never stops turning."

In the past week, it has been reported that the actor left the show because Rhimes and co-star Ellen Pompeo were furious over him having an affair with a crew member, though he has denied these rumors as unfounded and ridiculous - however, he is currently divorcing longtime wife Jillian, who might go after his assets.

Currently, Patrick Dempsey's net worth stands at $40 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.