Rob Lowe was offered the role of Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy. He turned it down for a CBS show called Dr. Vegas. CBS pulled it after five episodes. Patrick Dempsey took McDreamy instead. Grey's Anatomy ran for 21 seasons. Lowe later said the decision probably cost him $70 million.
The Actor Who Turned Down McDreamy
In 2004, ABC was casting a new medical drama from showrunner Shonda Rhimes. The lead male role — a charming, blue-eyed surgeon named Derek Shepherd — needed a star.
Rob Lowe was their first choice. He passed, having already committed to a CBS drama called Dr. Vegas about a physician working in Las Vegas casinos.
Dr. Vegas premiered on September 24, 2004. CBS pulled it from the schedule after five episodes had aired.
Grey's Anatomy premiered four months later. It became a cultural phenomenon, running for 21 seasons. Patrick Dempsey, who took the role Lowe turned down, became "McDreamy" — one of the most recognizable characters in television history.
In 2019, Lowe appeared on Marc Maron's WTF podcast and put a number on what he'd missed: "That probably cost me $70 million."
Dr. Vegas is now a trivia answer. Grey's Anatomy is still on the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Verified Fact
Rob Lowe confirmed on WTF with Marc Maron (ep 1004, Mar 25 2019). Also in memoir Love Life. Dr. Vegas pulled by CBS after 5 aired eps per LA Times Nov 3 2004.
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