‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Ellen Pompeo Explains Her Reasons For Sticking With The ABC Show

Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy has been running for an amazing 15 years. Right from the start, Ellen Pompeo, 50, has played the role of the titular Meredith Grey. In a recent interview, Ellen opened up about why she is still with the Shonda Rhimes show. Basically, it is about money and financial security.

Ellen Pompeo is with Grey’s Anatomy for the financial security

There is no doubt Ellen Pompeo enjoys playing the role of Meredith Grey on the long-running ABC medical drama. The role has given her the financial security she craves, which she says has been her priority all along. Ellen admits she doesn’t want to have to be out there “chasing things, running after things, begging” for a role. She rather sees Grey’s Anatomy for the blessing it is.

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In a new interview with the Unbothered podcast, Ellen notes how important Grey’s Anatomy has been to her while providing for her family. She and her husband Chris Ivery share a son, Eli, 3, and two daughters – Stella, 10, and Sienna, 5. Providing for her family is the word, as it was revealed back in 2018 that Pompeo has negotiated a $20 million annual paycheck. This makes her one of the highest-paid TV actresses.

Ellen says for her, personally, a healthy home life is more important than a career. She admits she herself didn’t have a particularly happy childhood. This makes the idea of having this great husband (Chris) and three beautiful children something she really needs. Her happy home life makes her complete and closes a hole in her heart.

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Ellen doesn’t want to chase roles

Many TV actors constantly have to chase roles. Pompeo decided she would never do this. Once she found how financially secure the Shonda Rhimes show makes her, she stuck with it. Ellen says she will never be “that thirsty” to beg for roles outside Grey’s Anatomy.

Pompeo also points out that she “got in the game late.”  She was 33 when she first started with Grey’s Anatomy. Moreover, she only started having children at the age of 40. Ellen did admit that if she had started younger, at 25 for example, she would probably have “dipped out” at the age of 31 or 32 when her six-year contract was up. So, basically, her age has a lot to do with why she stays on the ABC drama. While Ellen says many actors try to run away from stuff they are well-known for, she completely embraces it.

Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen and systemic racism

Pompeo says at her age and where her life is, she is not about to run away from anything. She went on to describe a real passion she has and that is talking about and breaking down “systemic racism in the healthcare industry.” Ellen says this is something that has always plagued her and she believes the show has given her a “real window” into that.

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Pompeo stresses that this is a platform she is very passionate about and she will continue to do more work in that arena. She says basically, Grey’s has been a gift for her and she chooses to see it that way.

Grey’s Anatomy fans are no doubt thrilled that Ellen chose to stay in the role of Meredith Grey for all these many years!

Anne Sewell

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