Ellen Pompeo, who has portrayed the iconic character Meredith Grey in the hit series Grey's Anatomy since its inception in 2005, revealed on April 15, 2025, the reasons behind her continued involvement in the show even after 21 seasons. Although she announced her departure from the series in November 2022, Pompeo has made a series of appearances, keeping her connection to the beloved medical drama alive.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Pompeo explained her decision to remain part of Grey's Anatomy, stating, "It wouldn’t make any sense to me!" She elaborated on the emotional and financial implications of her role, emphasizing that the show has been streamed over 1 billion times in 2024 alone. She expressed concern that if she left the series completely, others would profit from her hard work over the past two decades, while she would not see any financial benefits.
"If I were to leave the show for good, everyone else would have the opportunity to make money off my hard work, and I would gain nothing from it. For me, it doesn’t make sense that others could benefit from my efforts," she added, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
Beyond monetary considerations, Pompeo also expressed her emotional attachment to Grey's Anatomy. "From an emotional standpoint, the series means so much to many people. I think it’s necessary to be grateful to the show for everything it has brought me,” she said, indicating her deep connection to the character and the narrative.
Despite a reduction in her appearances, having featured in only eight episodes of the 19th season, Pompeo is set to return for the ongoing 21st season, where she is expected to appear in at least seven episodes. This return comes after her brief hiatus from the show, during which she was also filming a new series titled Good American Family, which premiered on Disney+ on April 9, 2025.
Good American Family is a limited series based on the true story of Natalia Grace, a young girl who was adopted in 2010 and subsequently abandoned by her adoptive family a year later. Pompeo's role in this new series marks a departure from her long-standing character, and she expressed excitement about taking on a different kind of role. "I wanted to play a character that was very different from Meredith Grey, and this opportunity presented itself to me," she stated.
As Grey's Anatomy continues to captivate audiences, with its 21st season currently airing, fans can rest assured that Pompeo's character, Meredith Grey, will remain a fixture in the series as long as it is on air. The show, which has become a cultural phenomenon, has followed the lives and relationships of the staff at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, with Pompeo at the helm as the central figure.
Reflecting on her journey with the series, Pompeo acknowledged the significant impact it has had on her life and career. "I think it’s important to recognize the series for everything it has given me," she concluded, reinforcing her commitment to the role that has defined much of her professional life.
As viewers eagerly await the next episodes, the legacy of Grey's Anatomy and Ellen Pompeo's portrayal of Meredith Grey continue to resonate, ensuring that the show remains a beloved part of television history.
