Beyonce and Patrick Dempsey Named Cosmopolitan's 2006 Fun Fearless Female and Male of the Year.

NEW YORK -- Terrence Howard, Matt Dillon, Tom Welling, Jeff Probst, Matt Leinart, Thomas Hayden Church, Jesse Metcalfe, Greg Behrendt, Pharrell Williams, Brett Ratner, and Nick Lachey also honored

Singing sensation Beyonce and ABC's Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey are named Cosmopolitan's Fun Fearless Female and Male of the Year.

Gutsy, captivating, and not to mention gorgeous, Beyonce embodies the essence of Cosmo's Fun Fearless Female of the Year. In spite of her success and popularity, she's never fallen prey to the behaviors that have sent so many other starlets over the edge. That means no bitchiness, no train-wreck break-ups, no eating disorders, and no ugly fallouts with her parents. Beyonce's always been talented and confident, but by going out on her own this year, the pop princess has shown a boldness and independence that earned her Cosmo's Fun Fearless Female award.

Patrick Dempsey earned his place among past Fun Fearless Male's Jon Bon Jovi, Matthew Perry, and Josh Duhamel by being a lot more than just another Hollywood heartthrob. In addition to his Dr. McDreamy good looks, Dempsey's a talented and sensitive guy who has got serious guts.

Also being honored in the February issue are Terrence Howard, Matt Dillon, Tom Welling, Jeff Probst, Matt Leinart, Thomas Hayden Church, Jesse Metcalfe, Greg Behrendt, Pharrell Williams, Brett Ratner, and Nick Lachey.

"Last year we received such an overwhelming response from our readers when we saluted all the Fun Fearless Males we love and admire," said editor-in-chief Kate White. "We decided to do it again this year. We chose these hot guys because they're the perfect combination of smarts, wit, talent, and good looks--traits every Cosmo girl looks for in a man."

Interview Highlights From the 2006 Fun Fearless Female and Males

Beyonce, Cosmo's Fun Fearless Female of the Year, on her biggest risk to date:

"I took a risk with acting. It was scary because it was different for me. You just always have to take risks. I always go with my gut, and it's always right. People are scared to do that."

Patrick Dempsey, Cosmo's Fun Fearless Male of the Year, on what it was like to do a steamy shower scene with co-star Ellen Pompeo:

You just drink a lot of Scotch to get yourself used to the fact that you're walking around in a flesh-toned thong, and 20 people are watching you make out with someone you barely know.

Matt Dillon, star of the upcoming film, You, Me, and Dupree, on ex-girlfriend Cameron Diaz:

"Cameron (Diaz) and I dated for about three years. I was in love with her, and it was a passionate relationship. I've been in love since but in a different way."

Tom Welling, Star of TV's Smallville, on his biggest turn-on:

"Women who are confident and have a good understanding of who they are. When you ask a woman a question, you want to hear what she really thinks about something, not necessarily what she thinks you want to hear."

Jeff Probst, Host of Survivor, on his relationship with his girlfriend Julie Berry:

"In past relationships, I was a coward. I wasn't honest. I just wouldn't tell the truth about little things because I figured 'Why does she need to know?' Julie doesn't have time for that. I have finally learned that being authentic--farts and all--is the only way to be."

Matt Leinert, USC Quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, on his lucky charm:

"I wear the same boxers on every game day--I'm really superstitious. I've worn the same pair for my three years as a starter at USC. The one time I didn't, we lost."

Thomas Haden Church, Star of Sideways, on his fearless feats:

"I used to play football, I surfed for 25 years, I've boxed...and then there's the time I broke my pelvis riding a bull on my second-to-last day of bull-riding school."

Terrence Howard, star of Hustle and Flow and Crash, on his nude awakening:

"The bravest thing I've ever done is getting naked on-set (in Get Rich or Die Tryin'). You can't prepare. You just have to do it and realize the (acting) strengths you have when you're naked are the same strengths you have when you're clothed."

Jesse Metcalfe, The Desperate Housewives star, on love:

"I've had periods in my life when I could have been considered a player...but not anymore. I enjoy having a girlfriend, and I see myself settling down. I want kids, a family, a person to grow old with. I'm really looking forward to that stage of life."

Greg Behrendt, author of He's Just Not That Into You, on getting fired:

"I came to L.A. to be in a band. Getting kicked out of it let me think, Music isn't what I'm supposed to do but maybe it's something with a microphone. That led to stand-up comedy, which eventually led to writing."

Pharrell Williams, singer and producer, on working at McDonald's:

"When I was younger, I was fired from McDonalds because I was lazy. Basically, I was getting in the way. After that, I worked at two more McDonald's, and they both fired me for the same thing."

Brett Ratner, Director of X-Men 3 and TV's Prison Break, on his celeb crushes:

"I'd want to marry Cate Blanchett, date Kate Bosworth, and spend the weekend with Elisha Cuthbert."

Nick Lachey, Newlyweds star and contributing host on ESPN's College Gameday, on sports casting:

"Sportscasting is a lot of fun, but at the end of the day, my true love is and always will be performing."

Additional photos available