Ellen Pompeo Talks Family, Career, and Grey’s Anatomy in Latest Interview

LOS ANGELES, California — Ellen Pompeo, known for her role as Meredith Grey on ABC’s “Grey's Anatomy,” shared insightful thoughts about family life and her evolving career in a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” While promoting her new true crime show, “Good American Family,” Pompeo opened up about the impact of her iconic television role.

Although she has stepped back from being a series regular since 2022, Pompeo continues to narrate episodes and serve as an executive producer. She reflected on her experiences as a mother, revealing her reluctance to let her younger daughter watch the racy series. “My 15-year-old has seen it. And now my 10-year-old wants to see it, which she’s not ready for, but a lot of kids in her class have seen it,” Pompeo said during the interview.

She added humorously, “I don’t want my daughter to see me in my underwear on television just yet, but all her classmates have. That makes for great conversation at pick up.” Despite her reservations, she expressed no judgment toward other parents who allow their children to watch the show.

Reflecting on Hollywood’s unique environment, Pompeo indicated that children in the industry often feel inspired by the success stories they see around them. “[Hollywood] is a super weird place in that way, but also a really incredible place because these kids look around and see a bunch of people whose dreams came true. And they believe that their dreams, too, can come true,” she said.

Since premiering in 2005, “Grey’s Anatomy” has been a significant part of Pompeo’s life for nearly two decades. She admitted she doesn’t get emotional watching old episodes, noting, “I’m just like, when did that happen?” Her commitment to the show’s narrative has resonated with audiences, who often connect deeply with the characters. In an earlier Variety interview, Pompeo explained, “One of the reasons why the show has impacted people so much is because we were so emotional, which always results in amazing performances.”

Pompeo, 55, has articulated the balance between her work and family life. In a 2020 interview with Jemele Hill, she explained her decision to stay on the show longer than planned, stating, “I made a decision to make money. For me, personally, a healthy home life was more important than a career.” Pompeo has been married to record producer Chris Ivery since 2007, and they have three children together.

As Pompeo embarks on new projects, including her debut in “Good American Family,” which premieres on Hulu on March 19, her journey continues to inspire fans. She stars alongside Mark Duplass, and the two portray the adoptive family of Natalia Grace in the series.