From Dr. Meredith Grey to a New Role: Ellen Pompeo’s Exciting Transition
Ellen Pompeo, widely recognized for her iconic role as Dr. Meredith Grey in the long-running television series Grey’s Anatomy, is set to embark on a new adventure in her acting career. Although she has stepped back from her full-time role in the series after nearly two decades, Pompeo is now starring in Hulu’s upcoming drama, Good American Family.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Series
This new show draws on the astounding true story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism who was adopted in 2010 by American couple Kristine and Michael Barnett. The narrative took a dramatic turn when the Barnetts claimed that they believed Natalia was actually an adult posing as a child, leading to her abandonment just a year after her adoption.
A New Chapter for Pompeo
In Good American Family, Pompeo takes on the role of Kristine Barnett and also serves as an executive producer. At the premiere of the series, she expressed her desire for a substantial change after years of portraying the beloved Grey. She shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “I definitely wanted to do something that was completely different from what I’ve been doing for a long time, and this came along.” Initially unfamiliar with the case, Pompeo stated, “I read the script and was blown away by the first episode.”
A Multifaceted Perspective on Truth
The show offers a complex narrative that unveils multiple viewpoints of the events. Co-creator and showrunner Katie Robbins described the storytelling approach, stating, “I came up with the idea of starting the series from Kristine and Michael Barnett’s perspective, and then at a certain point, that shifts. Suddenly, everything we thought we knew becomes questionable, challenging us to grapple with our biases.”
Ellen Pompeo, Imogen Faith Reid, and Mark Duplass pose on the carpet together at the premiere of #GoodAmericanFamily pic.twitter.com/mowJ5oAKE9
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 14, 2025
Addressing Skepticism and Research
Mark Duplass, who portrays Michael Barnett, initially approached the project with skepticism. He questioned the need for another adaptation of a true crime story, saying, “I was skeptical… why do we need this, other than to just go make money?” However, he was compelled by the unique narrative framework of the series that pushed him to reconsider what he knew about the storyline.
The creative team emphasized immersing themselves in research rather than directly consulting individuals involved in the real events. Imogen Faith Reid, who plays Natalia, was unaware of the narrative prior to her audition, as she hails from the U.K. She stated, “I wanted to make sure that I played my own version of Natalia and that she was portrayed with empowerment, highlighting her fight for justice.”
When to Watch
Good American Family is set to begin streaming on Hulu on March 19, 2025, promising a gripping exploration of a deeply layered and controversial story.