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More than two decades after Grey’s Anatomy premiered on ABC, Ellen Pompeo remains one of the most enduring figures in television history. While her screen time has gradually diminished, her influence behind the scenes and her deep emotional and financial ties to the series remain firmly intact. In a revealing new interview with El País, Pompeo explained why she has no plans to walk away entirely from the show that made her a household name.

“If I were to walk away completely, everybody gets to make money from my hard work for 20 years and I wouldn’t make any money. To me, it doesn’t make any sense that everybody [else] gets to profit off of my hard work,” Pompeo said. “And emotionally, the show means a lot to people. I want to have an attitude of gratitude toward the show.”

A Legacy Built Over 20 Years

Since debuting in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy has become one of the most iconic primetime dramas in television history. At the center of that success is Ellen Pompeo, who has played Dr. Meredith Grey for over 400 episodes. Over the years, the series has evolved from a romantic medical drama into a cultural phenomenon. It has tackled issues like race, gender, mental health, and the healthcare system in America.

Pompeo’s consistency on the show has anchored the series through major cast turnovers, changes in showrunners, and shifting audience habits. Her portrayal of Meredith Grey became synonymous with female resilience, compassion, and leadership, making her character one of TV’s most recognizable protagonists.

A Financially Savvy Career Move

Pompeo’s reasoning for staying involved with the show isn’t just emotional. It’s deeply pragmatic. As one of television’s highest-paid actresses, she made headlines in 2017 for negotiating a groundbreaking deal with ABC, earning a reported $20 million per year. In recent years, she’s been transparent about her desire to secure financial stability for her family, especially in an industry known for its unpredictability.

“I made a decision to make money,” she once said in a previous interview. “For me, personally, a healthy home life was more important than career ambition.” That decision, she emphasized, came after years of being underpaid, especially in comparison to her male co-stars. Pompeo has also spoken openly about being “salty” when she discovered that Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd, earned more than she did during the early years of the show.

Transitioning Into a Producer Role

Although Pompeo has scaled back her on-screen appearances since Season 19, she continues to serve as an executive producer on Grey’s Anatomy and its successful spin-off, Station 19. Her reduced screen time allows her to pursue other creative ventures while maintaining a hand in the world she helped build.

“I may not be on camera as much, but I’m still very much involved in the DNA of the show,” she said. “And it’s important to me to protect the integrity of what we’ve created.”

Her production company, Calamity Jane, has also been developing new projects. Pompeo has expressed interest in producing stories that center on women’s experiences and underrepresented voices in entertainment.

A Show That Continues to Matter

Beyond finances and production, Pompeo recognizes the cultural weight Grey’s Anatomy still carries. The show amassed over a billion streams in 2024 alone and continues to resonate with younger audiences discovering it for the first time. For Pompeo, that relevance is not something she takes lightly.

“It means a lot to people,” she emphasized. “We’ve had stories that have saved lives, helped people come out, helped them feel seen. That’s not something I walk away from easily.”

She has long acknowledged the responsibility that comes with telling meaningful, representative stories and has used her platform to push for more diversity in the writers’ room and casting.

What’s Next for Meredith Grey?

While fans have speculated that Pompeo’s reduced on-screen presence might lead to a full departure, the actress has made it clear that she has no intention of completely severing ties with the show. Whether appearing in a few episodes a season or guiding the direction behind the scenes, Pompeo’s influence will continue to shape Grey’s Anatomy for the foreseeable future.

“My relationship with the show has evolved,” she explained. “I’ve grown as a person, as a mother, and as a professional. But I’m still grateful. And I still care. I’m not ready to let it go. Not yet.”

In an industry where actors often chase the next big role, Ellen Pompeo’s loyalty to Grey’s Anatomy is rare. Her decision to stay isn’t rooted in fear or complacency. It’s a strategic, heartfelt choice grounded in legacy, ownership, and a deep respect for the fans who’ve grown up with Meredith Grey.

As the show heads into its 21st season, it’s clear that Grey’s Anatomy is more than just a job for Pompeo. It’s a home. And she’s not ready to move out any time soon.

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