In the world of television, few names are as iconic as Ellen Pompeo when it comes to the long-running medical drama, Grey's Anatomy. As Meredith Grey, Pompeo has been the heart and soul of the show since its debut in 2005. But now, sources exclusively tell Closer that the dynamic has shifted. Pompeo continues to cash in as a consultant and occasional guest star, with minimal screen time required. And, unsurprisingly, this arrangement has left the rest of the cast feeling a little uneasy.
The Changing Role of Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo's journey on Grey's Anatomy is nothing short of remarkable. For over a decade, she was the show's leading lady, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Meredith Grey. But as life and career paths evolve, so do the demands on actors. In the past two seasons, Pompeo decided to step back from her full-time role. However, she remains deeply involved as an executive producer and continues to lend her unmistakable voice to the show's iconic voiceovers.
The Resentment Brewing Behind the Scenes
Here's the kicker: sources reveal that some of her fellow cast members are growing increasingly resentful. Why? Because Ellen Pompeo insists on staying heavily involved in the series, mostly from behind the scenes, but occasionally popping in for guest appearances that can overshadow the younger actors. These actors, who put in grueling 16-hour workdays to keep the drama alive, feel like they're not getting the recognition they deserve.
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One insider puts it bluntly: “Ellen’s occasional appearances pull focus away from the younger actors who are doing the heavy lifting. It’s like she’s hanging around, trying to milk the franchise for all it’s worth, while the new blood is working their tails off to keep it fresh and exciting.”
Ellen Pompeo's Legacy and the Original Cast
Let's rewind to 2005, when Grey's Anatomy first premiered. Back then, Pompeo was surrounded by a stellar cast, including Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Isaiah Washington, and Patrick Dempsey. Over the years, most of the original cast moved on, paving the way for new doctors at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital. Yet, Ellen remained a constant presence, a symbol of the show's enduring legacy.
“Give the newer cast members some breathing room,” the source suggests. “The show could soar again if they weren’t constantly overshadowed by Ellen’s lingering presence. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s time to let the next generation shine.”
Pompeo's Financial Windfall and Career Choices
At the peak of her career, Ellen Pompeo was raking in an impressive $575,000 per episode. That translated to an estimated $20 million or more per season. But here's the thing—unlike many of her co-stars who ventured into movies and other TV projects during breaks from Grey's Anatomy, Pompeo chose a different path. She opted for vacations and family time instead.
“Ellen’s entire career revolves around this show,” the source explains. “Unlike others on the show, she hasn’t pursued many opportunities outside of Grey’s Anatomy. Once the show became a massive hit, there was no turning back. Her obsession with the franchise has only deepened over the years.”
The Call for Diversification
Some might argue that Pompeo should have diversified her acting résumé. After all, pre-Grey’s, she had a promising movie career. Who could forget her memorable role in Old School, where she held her own against comedy legends Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell? But once she plugged into Grey's Anatomy, the show became her life's work.
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“Ellen got super rich off this show,” the source notes. “But wouldn’t it be great if she gave the younger actors a real chance to shine? Maybe it’s time for her to prove she can make hits on her own steam. The franchise is hers to lose, but it’s also hers to share.”
