Let's hear it for the queen of Grey's Anatomy! In a recent interview, Ellen Pompeo opened up about her incredible 15-season journey on the iconic medical drama. With her signature honesty, Ellen didn't shy away from discussing the highs and lows of her time on the show.
Speaking to Variety, Ellen shared, "There were so many moments that shaped my experience. Honestly, I never thought about leaving during the years when I could have. But looking back, the first decade was tough. We faced some serious cultural issues, bad behavior, and a truly toxic work environment." It wasn't until Ellen welcomed her first daughter, Stella, in September 2009, that things started shifting for her. "Once I became a mom, everything changed. It wasn't just about me anymore. I had to prioritize my family," she explained.
Family First: A New Perspective
Ellen's life took a significant turn when she became a mother. "At 40 years old, I had to face the reality that I needed to provide for my family. Where else was I going to find a job that paid this well? I had to take care of my kids," she admitted. But it wasn't just about the money. After Season 10, Ellen noticed a positive shift both in front of and behind the camera. "I made it my mission to create an experience on set that I could be proud of. After a decade of turmoil, I wanted to make sure we were moving in the right direction," she said.
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Fighting for Equality
Ellen's journey wasn't just about balancing her career and family—it was also about fighting for equality. She revealed that in the early days of the show, her paycheck didn't match her male counterpart's. "Patrick Dempsey was being paid almost double what I was at the start. He had a TV track record, and I hadn't done TV before," she said. When Ellen questioned the writers about the disparity, they told her, "He's done 13 pilots." Ellen reflected on this, saying, "It wasn't until we were renegotiating for Season 3 that I realized no one was offering me the same opportunities."
