Ellen Pompeo Reveals the Real Reason She Can’t Quit “Grey’s Anatomy” After 22 Seasons
Ellen Pompeo may have taken a step back from her role as Meredith Grey, but she’s far from stepping away from the legacy she helped create. As one of the original stars of “Grey’s Anatomy”, Pompeo has been a constant force behind the longest-running medical drama in American primetime television—spanning over 400 episodes since its 2005 debut. For two decades, she’s shaped not just the character of Meredith Grey but also the show’s cultural footprint, helping turn it into a global phenomenon.
Ellen Pompeo On Not Leaving “Grey’s Anatomy”
While her on-screen presence in Grey’s has diminished since Season 19, Pompeo remains closely tied to the series, both emotionally and financially. In a recent interview with El País, she shared why she hasn’t fully closed the door on the show.
“Emotionally and financially, walking away completely just wouldn’t make sense,” she said. “The show was streamed over a billion times just last year. That’s massive. These companies continue to earn money using our faces, our voices, our performances.”
She continued, “If I were to disappear completely, everyone else would still be making money off of two decades of my hard work, and I’d get nothing. That doesn’t sit right with me. And beyond money, this show still means so much to people. I want to maintain an attitude of gratitude for everything Grey’s has given me—and what it continues to give fans.”
Ellen Pompeo’s New Chapter: “Good American Family”
Pompeo’s presence, even in a limited capacity, is a reminder of the staying power of both her character and the show itself. “Grey’s Anatomy” has shaped conversations around healthcare, identity, and trauma for a generation of viewers. Its ability to remain relevant across cultural shifts and cast changes is a testament to the strength of its storytelling—and to Pompeo’s influence as both lead actress and executive producer.
But Pompeo hasn’t been idle since reducing her role. In fact, she’s diving headfirst into one of the most talked-about new dramas of the year: “Good American Family,” a limited Hulu series based on the controversial true story of Natalia Grace and her adoptive parents.
In “Good American Family”, Pompeo takes on the role of Kristine Barnett, a woman whose life unravels after adopting a girl from Ukraine who was believed to be a six-year-old with dwarfism. But when suspicions arise that the child might actually be an adult masquerading as a child, Kristine finds herself at the center of a bewildering and heartbreaking true-crime saga.
The series unfolds from multiple perspectives, offering a layered narrative that explores themes of identity, family, manipulation, and trauma. Pompeo’s performance as Kristine brings a nuanced emotional depth to a woman caught between maternal love and growing fear. As Kristine’s doubts take hold, Pompeo captures a descent into confusion, desperation, and ultimately, survival.
“This was a chance to explore something radically different from Meredith Grey,” Pompeo said in the same interview. “It’s a limited series, so I knew I wouldn’t be tied to the character long-term. It was about stretching myself, challenging myself creatively.”
The role is a sharp contrast to the steady, stoic Meredith Grey—but it’s a testament to Pompeo’s range as an actress. And even as she moves into new territory, her influence from Grey’s Anatomy follows her: she remains one of the most recognized and respected women in television, a position she’s built through 20 years of perseverance, advocacy, and industry-shaping performance. “Good American Family” is streaming on Hulu. “Grey’s Anatomy” was recently renewed for a Season 22.
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