Ellen Pompeo Discusses New Role, $20M Salary Insights

Ellen Pompeo is transitioning from her iconic role as Dr. Meredith Grey in 'Grey's Anatomy' to star in Hulu's new limited series 'Good American Family,' where she plays Kristine Barnett, the adoptive mother involved in a controversial adoption case. In her portrayal, Pompeo explores the complexities of motherhood and the moral dilemmas faced by Barnett, who initially believed her adopted daughter was an adult con artist. The series, which airs new episodes on Wednesdays, is inspired by real events surrounding the Barnetts' adoption of Natalia Grace, a girl with dwarfism, who was later abandoned by the couple. Pompeo, who stepped back from her role in 'Grey's Anatomy' after 19 seasons, expressed her desire for a new challenge and to portray a more nuanced character. In a related podcast appearance, she reflected on her financial independence and the motivations behind her career choices, emphasizing the importance of women achieving financial freedom. Despite her past reluctance to join a television series, Pompeo's role in 'Grey's Anatomy' ultimately became a significant part of her career, leading to her being one of the highest-paid actresses on TV in recent years.