The Evolution of Ellen Pompeo: From 'Grey's Anatomy' Star to Motherhood

Ellen Pompeo, born in Everett, Massachusetts in November 1969, has been a part of Grey’s Anatomy since 2005.

Her television debut was in 1996 on Law & Order, and she has since appeared in various films such as Moonlight Mile (2002), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Old School (2003), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).

After making her debut on the big screen, Pompeo's big break came when she landed the role of Meredith Grey in Grey’s Anatomy, which first aired in 2005. The show quickly became a hit, leading to her Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a TV Drama Series. Pompeo remained a main cast member on the show for 18 seasons before announcing in November 2022 that she would be scaling back her role.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Pompeo expressed her gratitude to fans, saying, "I am so thankful for the love and support you have shown me, Meredith Grey, and the show over 19 seasons! None of this would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all have made the journey so enjoyable and unforgettable!"

Keep scrolling to learn more about Pompeo’s life and career throughout the years:

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Getty Images (2)

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years: From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to Motherhood

Ellen Pompeo has had an impressive career on Grey’s Anatomy, where she has been a star since 2005.

The actress was born in Everett, Massachusetts, in November 1969. She made her television debut in 1996 on Law & Order. Pompeo went on to star in many notable films, including Moonlight Mile (2002), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Old School (2003), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).

After making her big screen debut, Pompeo's career took off when she landed the role of Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy, which premiered in 2005. The show quickly became a hit, leading to Pompeo receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. She continued to be a main cast member for over 18 seasons before sharing in November 2022 that she would be scaling back her role on the series.

In an Instagram post, Pompeo expressed her gratitude to the fans for their support over the 19 seasons of the show. She described them as loyal supporters who made the experience fun and iconic.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Pompeo’s life and career throughout the years:

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

2002

Before becoming famous for her role on Grey's Anatomy, Pompeo appeared in a number of well-received movies such as Moonlight Mile in 2002 alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in 2004 with Jim Carrey.

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage for LaForce and Stevens

2005

Pompeo landed the role of Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy, a popular TV series that has aired for 20 seasons and over 400 episodes. As a result, Pompeo became one of the highest-paid women in Hollywood, earning more than $20 million annually for her starring role.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in January 2018, Pompeo candidly shared her initial reaction to being cast in Grey's Anatomy. She recalled thinking, "I knew I was screwed. I was like, 'I'm not going to be stuck on a medical show for five years. Are you out of your mind? I'm an actress.'"

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

2007

Pompeo married Chris Ivery after nearly four years of dating. 

"They led us through an underground tunnel beneath City Hall, and suddenly we were in the mayor's office. A secret wall behind a bookshelf opened up, and just like that, we were inside his office," Pompeo reminisced during a 2017 episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan. "It was our own little hidden gem that no one else knew about."

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Y-3

September 2009

A rep confirmed to We that Pompeo and Ivery had welcomed their first child, a girl named Stella Luna. 

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Donato Sardella/WireImage

October 2011

Pompeo started her own production company named Calamity Jane. The company has created various TV dramas for ABC, such as Personal Motives. Recently, in August 2022, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Pompeo will be starring in and producing a new project for Hulu. This project is based on the real-life story of Natalia Grace.

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

October 2014

Pompeo shared that she and Ivery had their second child, a baby girl named Sienna May, through a surrogate.

She took to Instagram to welcome Sienna May, expressing their love for her beyond words.

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

May 2015

Pompeo appeared in Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video, alongside many famous celebrities like Selena Gomez, Karlie Kloss, Mariska Hargitay, Jessica Alba, Lily Aldridge, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lena Dunham, Ellie Goulding, Gigi Hadid, Martha Hunt, Kendrick Lamar, Serayah, Hailee Steinfeld, Hayley Williams, and Zendaya. Swift is a big fan of Pompeo and even named her cat Meredith after Pompeo's character on Grey's Anatomy.

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for March of Dimes

December 2016

Pompeo and Ivery welcomed their third child, a son named Eli Christopher. 

“Family and baby are all doing great,” a rep for the couple shared with Us at the time. 

Ellen Pompeo Through the Years

Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

August 2022

TVLine reported that Pompeo, after starring on Grey’s Anatomy for over a decade, would be taking on a reduced role in season 19. However, she will continue to executive produce and narrate every episode.

In an interview with Deadline in September 2022, Pompeo expressed her continued commitment to the show, stating, “I’m going to always be a part of that show. I’m an executive producer. I spent two decades of my career on [Grey’s Anatomy] – it’s my heart and soul. I’ll never truly be gone as long as [it’s] on the air.”

Editor's P/S:

Ellen Pompeo's journey from her small-town beginnings to her stardom on "Grey's Anatomy" is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to her craft and her resilience in the face of initial doubts about the show's longevity are a testament to her unwavering spirit. Pompeo's ability to connect with audiences on a personal level has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Beyond her acting prowess, Pompeo's advocacy for gender equality and equal pay in Hollywood is commendable. Her willingness to speak up for what she believes in, even when it may be unpopular, demonstrates her strength of character. It is no wonder that she has become a role model for aspiring actors and actresses alike. success both on and off-screen serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a strong support system, anything is possible.