Ellen Pompeo Steps Back From Grey's Anatomy After Two Decades

Ellen Pompeo has reflected on her long tenure as Dr. Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy, explaining that her primary motivation for staying on the show was financial stability rather than critical acclaim, which she believes is typically only awarded in the early seasons of a series. Despite starring in over 500 episodes and the show being streamed more than a billion times in 2024, Pompeo has never received major awards like an Emmy or Golden Globe for her role. She recently stepped back from the show's main cast to pursue new roles, seeking the critical recognition she previously did not prioritize. Pompeo also emphasized her desire to continue benefiting financially from the show’s ongoing success, highlighting that if she were to leave completely, others would profit from her work without her share. Her recent project, Great American Family, showcases a different and more villainous character, which she hopes will establish her as a versatile actress deserving of award nominations. While she has reduced her on-screen presence, Pompeo remains involved as an executive producer and plans to continue her association with Grey’s Anatomy.