Ellen Pompeo Reflects on Grey’s Anatomy: Love, Controversy, and Iconic Moments
Ellen Pompeo recently shared her insights on her character’s romantic journey with Patrick Dempsey on Grey’s Anatomy, particularly discussing how this onscreen relationship influenced her real-life marriage. During her appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, Pompeo opened up about the complexities of navigating her professional and personal life amidst the show’s immense popularity.
Impact on Personal Life
Pompeo explained how her husband, music producer Chris Ivery, managed to stay disconnected from the show. She stated, “Chris really never watched the show; that helped. He knew just not to watch. I was with him before Grey’s, so the show kind of came out of nowhere for us.”The couple found themselves on a thrilling ride, with increasing fame eliciting both excitement and intense scrutiny, particularly from tabloids.
Tabloid Backlash and Racial Bias
Pompeo expressed her discomfort with the media’s portrayal of Ivery, noting how it forced them to confront difficult issues of race and identity. “The tabloids began attacking him, dredging up his past,” she shared, pointing out that young Black men often face significant disadvantages in society. She emphasized that the intensity of the backlash stemmed from societal perceptions, stating, “The truth is young Black men in this country aren’t given the same opportunities as everybody else.”
Iconic but Awkward Scenes
As the conversation progressed, Pompeo reflected on one of her least favorite moments from the set: a sex scene with T.R. Knight, in which her character Meredith Grey has a rebound with George O’Malley. Pompei candidly described the experience as “uncomfortable and awkward,”recalling that both actors were in tears during filming. “We cried, and it was so bad,” she remarked, highlighting the emotional toll the scene took on them both.
She continued, noting that the network requested a re-shoot due to creative decisions regarding the scene. “In your worst nightmare to have to do it one time, we had to re-shoot that,”she stated, maintaining that she has never watched the scene as it aired. “I’m full on in tears, the whole entire scene. And those are real tears,”she added.
Negotiating Pay Equity
Pompeo’s journey in Grey’s Anatomy also included a pivotal moment regarding pay equity in Hollywood. Knowing that her co-star Dempsey was initially earning more than her, she advocated for equal pay, highlighting the disparity in how male and female actors were valued at the time. “To be completely fair, the television game was so different then… only a man can have 13 failed TV pilots and their quote still keeps going up,”she remarked, acknowledging the challenges she faced as an emerging talent in a male-dominated industry.
She also shared her proactive approach in discussing pay with show creator Shonda Rhimes. Pompeo wanted to ensure Rhimes was onboard with her negotiations, stating, “I asked Shonda first… because I do respect her, I am grateful to her.” This respectful communication set the stage for Pompeo’s successful negotiation for her worth on the show.
A Legacy of Empowerment
As the production company celebrates the 20th anniversary of Shondaland, Pompeo’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, advocacy, and the pursuit of equity in the entertainment industry. Her experiences, both challenging and rewarding, shed light on the ongoing conversation about representation and women’s rights in Hollywood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jex1tGfWpno
For further insights, you can explore more through this Hollywood Reporter article.