Patrick Dempsey works at marriage

Mar 8, 2010, 16:32 GMT

Patrick Dempsey admits it takes a lot of work to have a good marriage.

The 'Grey's Anatomy' actor has been married to wife Jill Fink - with who he has three children, Talula, eight, and three-year-old twins Darby and Sullivan, with - for 10 years and says they both put a lot of effort into making their relationship work.

He said: "I am romantic but I think it takes more than just flowers. Marriage is great and blissful, but it takes work and understanding. You have to make time to spend together and to work through your issues. The more we grown and learn, both as individuals and as a couple, the closer we get."

The 44-year-old heartthrob - who was previously married to Rocky Parker for seven years until 1994 - says he knew he wanted to tie the knot with Jill as soon as he met her as he realised love was more important than work.

He told Britain's Cosmopolitan magazine: "I knew as soon as I saw her. She's beautiful but, more importantly, we had a connection. Through her I've learnt that you need to have a life outside this business, otherwise you'll be left feeling profoundly empty. So marrying Jill was a turning point for me. I thought, 'Whatever happens now, I have a loving wife and that's what it's all about.' "