Grey's Anatomy: What's next for Patrick Dempsey? | EW.com 

[Warning: This post contains a major spoiler from Thursday night’s

Nothing will make the pain of Derek’s death go away, but fans of Patrick Dempsey should at least find comfort in knowing the 49-year-old actor won’t be out of “work” for long.

In an exclusive interview with EW, Dempsey said he already has two small-screen projects in the works: a drama called

in the racing world in the 1960s”) and a travelogue spy thriller called

“I would love to do something else,” Dempsey says. “I’m going to take the rest of the year off to develop. I would like to be a producer. I would commit to a show that is 10 to 12 episodes. But 24 again, I don’t know if i would do that. It’s a very hard life. It’s financially rewarding but there comes a point where how much is enough, really?”

At least he’ll have a lot more time to race. A bona fide pro with a sizable roster of sponsors like Porsche and Tag Heuer, Dempsey was headed to Dubai to train after talking to EW – which meant he was out of the country when Thursday’s episode aired. 

“I’m focusing now on developing and racing and being a father to my children,” declares Dempsey. “Those are my priorities.”

One burning question lingers, though: Will Hollywood be ready to cast Dempsey in another role? The actor is not embarrassed to admit that he has some trepidation about being forever typecast as the lovable – and very sexy – doctor. 

“I want to try something different. But will I be allowed to do something different?” he says. “Is Derek so identifiable that I can’t go on and be someone else? That will be the challenge. To see if people embrace me as someone else.” 

For more of our interview with Patrick Dempsey, see our Q&A with the actor about Thursday’s shocking episode. 

\'Grey\'s Anatomy\': How much more sadness can Meredith take?

Patrick Dempsey on eyeing new acting challenges: \'I want to try something different\'

Patrick Dempsey on \'Grey\'s\' shocker: \'I like the way it has all played out\'

Shonda Rhimes statement on \'Grey\'s\' shocker: We enter \'uncharted territory\'

Ashley Judd: Twitter \'inadequate\' at stopping abuse

\'Star Wars\' reunion: Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels chat

\'Grey\'s Anatomy\': 21 moments that made Derek \'McDreamy\'

\'Game of Thrones\' behind the scenes photo album

People\'s \'Most Beautiful\': 15 years of covers, including \'15

\'Full House\' faves: Where are they now?

Kanye West, Andrew & Allison, Gina Rodriguez and More!