Ellen Kathleen Pompeo was born on 10 November 1969, in Everetts, Massachusetts to parents Joseph and Kathleen Pompeo. At the young age of four, she lost her mother to an accidental overdose of painkillers. In 2012, she lost her father as well. Ellen has five siblings, three sisters and two brothers. Initially working as a bartender in Miami, followed by a move to New York City in 1995, Ellen received her first break when approached by a casting director to be part of advertisements for L’Oréal and Citibank.
Starring in multiple advertisements and small independent films, Ellen’s career progressed as she debuted on television’s Law & Order as a guest star in 1996. Following the role, she secured many other small roles in various television series until director Brad Silberling offered her the lead role in his 2002 movie Moonlight Mile. Her performance was well received and opened doors for a brighter future with movies such as Catch Me If You Can, Old School, Daredevil, and Art Heist.
With a good run between 2002 and 2004, Ellen scored her first big role as Dr. Meredith Grey in ABC’s hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. Donning the role of the series protagonist and title character, she made a lasting impact in the minds of critics and audiences alike. Renewing her contract at least thrice, Ellen climbed the ladder of highest-paid television actresses, going from eighth place to fourth in the Forbes List over the years.
Throughout her journey on Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen has always been at the forefront of social issues and spoken up for what is important. She has always been candid about her paycheck and why equal pay is of importance. Sharing her own struggles, Ellen has mentioned how production executives would leverage her co-star’s presence and success to deny her equal pay. It all changed when he quit in 2015 but ratings still spiked, encouraging her to walk in and demand what she deserves. As of 2018, she renegotiated a contract to earn USD 575,000 per episode, making her the highest-paid woman on TV drama at the time. Ellen has always shared her learnings with others so they may be inspired to ask for what they are worth.
As of 2021, Grey’s Anatomy continues to exist with 17 seasons under its belt and renewal for season 18. The success of the show and Ellen’s performance has won her several awards and accolades including five nominations for the People’s Choice Awards, which she won thrice. The role also garnered her victories at the 64th Golden Globe Awards, the 2007 Satellite Awards, the 13th Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Woman in Film Lucy Award in 2007. Additionally, several critics have suggested that Ellen’s performance deserves an Emmy nomination and that it was about time she was recognised by them for her incredible work in making the role of a surgical intern interesting and entertaining.
Apart from her acting career, Ellen has her own production company and debuted as a director on Grey’s Anatomy. She has been involved in multiple as a producer and even wrote an article on Gender Pay Gap which was featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s cover page. Her latest project is an upcoming podcast with artists who inspire her and topics of social importance.
From being a surgical intern in love with McDreamy to the chief of General Surgery on the TV Drama, Ellen Pompeo never ceases to impress, and if you’re watching, she always has something wise to share!