Ellen Pompeo, the beloved star of the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has recently shared her experiences and challenges of being a working mother in the entertainment industry during an appearance on the latest episode of Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast. At 55 years old, Pompeo candidly admitted, “I am absolutely not a 100% at work when I have children.” She elaborated that no mother can truly give their all to their job when there are children at home pulling at their heartstrings.
Pompeo expressed that motherhood divides a person's attention, noting, “A part of you is somewhere else… You split into different pieces. You are no longer just you.” However, she highlighted the emotional depth and richness that motherhood brings, stating it “makes you more soulful, richer, funnier and more empathetic.” She continued, “It gives you this range of emotions that you cannot even imagine having without your child.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with many working mothers who find themselves juggling careers and family life. Pompeo reflected that while it can be tough, the evolution that comes with being a mother ultimately enhances one’s personality and capabilities. “You will just be a better version of yourself,” she affirmed. Mothers, she believes, may not be able to give 100% to their work, but the experience of motherhood fosters significant personal growth.
Interestingly, Pompeo also mentioned that she does not allow her youngest daughter to watch Grey’s Anatomy due to the show’s racy scenes. This decision underscores her protective instincts as a mother, illustrating her desire to shield her children from certain content.
In addition to her reflections on motherhood, Pompeo spoke about her past experiences on Grey’s Anatomy, a show that has become ingrained in popular culture. One of the most iconic lines from the series, “Pick me, choose me, love me,” uttered by her character Meredith Grey, remains a topic of discussion years later. On the Call Her Daddy podcast, Pompeo did not hold back on her distaste for that scene from Season 2’s “Bring the Pain” episode, originally aired in 2005.
When asked by Cooper what advice she might give to Meredith today in that situation, Pompeo quickly responded, “Girl! Bye.” She recalled her initial hesitation with the line, remarking, “I didn’t wanna say, ‘Pick me, choose me, love me.’ And to Shonda’s credit, she knew that was gonna pop. I was like, ‘Why would I do this? Why would I beg, why would I?’” Reflecting on her former hesitance, Pompeo acknowledged, “You have to just suck it up and do it.” The line ended up becoming one of the most memorable moments of the series, solidifying her character’s place in TV history.
Even as she expresses regret over that particular scene, Pompeo has managed to reshape her character's narrative. In Season 19’s episode titled “I’ll Follow the Sun,” Meredith articulates a newfound strength, asserting to her current partner, Nick Marsh, “I am not going to beg you to love me.” This statement marks a significant evolution in her character—a reflection of Pompeo’s own growth both as an actress and a woman navigating personal relationships.
As Grey’s Anatomy continues to thrive, and as she shifts into new projects, including her latest series, Good American Family, Pompeo continues to make her mark in the entertainment world. Fans can catch her in new episodes premiering at 10 p.m. ET on Thursdays on ABC and streaming on Hulu, alongside her upcoming role in Good American Family.
In contemplating the tension between work and motherhood, and the legacy of unforgettable lines, Pompeo’s journey mirrors the experiences of many women navigating modern challenges. Her reflections not only highlight her growth as a performer but also resonate with countless viewers who find themselves in similar situations, balancing aspirations, identity, and the tender journey of motherhood.
