Patrick Dempsey says family held a 'mock prom' for daughter in quarantine: 'It was so sad'

Actor says his ‘heart broke’ over his daughter having to miss the high school dance

Patrick Dempsey has opened up about hosting a “mock prom” for his daughter during quarantine after she was unable to attend hers.

On Tuesday, the actor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he acknowledged the difficulties of lockdown, including the “lack of socialisation”.

Discussing his and wife Jillian Fink’s children, Talula, 18, and twins Sullivan, 13, and Darby, 13, the 54-year-old said: “It’s really hard because I think the isolation for them and the lack of socialisation is really challenging.

“Especially senior year, my poor daughter, missed everything. And that’s the only reason you go back, senior year is, like, proms. The prom and all the fun stuff.

“The victory lap, you celebrate your education and [she had] none of it.”

According to the Grey’s Anatomy star, to mark the occasion in quarantine, the family held a “mock prom” for Talula at the house, after originally forgetting it was prom night.

“It was Saturday night and I was like: ‘Why is everybody getting dressed up?’” the actor jokingly recalled.

As for whether the at-home prom was a success, Dempsey said: “It was so sad as a parent, you’re like: ‘Oh my god, my heart breaks for you. You don’t have that moment, and there were so many kids like that.”

He did say, however, that his daughter celebrated by getting dressed in her prom outfit and going on a Zoom call with her friends.

The actor also marked the 18-year-old’s high school graduation virtually, sharing an Instagram photo of her in May in celebration of the accomplishment.

“Congratulations on your graduation @taluladempsey I love you and I am so proud of you. I can’t believe you’re all grown up,” he wrote at the time.