Ellen Pompeo Opens Up About the Grey’s Anatomy Episode That Brought Her Oldest Daughter to Tears

Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo recently talked about which heartbreaking episode made her oldest daughter cry. Since its debut in 2005, the series became one of the longest-running medical dramas on television, famous for its emotional stories and shocking character exits. Although Meredith Grey moved to Boston in season 19 to research Alzheimer’s disease, Pompeo continues to appear in several episodes in a recurring capacity. Having played the famous surgeon for the last twenty years, she has been a part of countless devastating storylines, but one episode in particular moved her eldest daughter to tears.

In a recent interview with People, Pompeo shared that the “007” moment in the season 5 finale, “Now or Never,” brought her and her daughter to tears. This refers to the devastating episode where George O’Malley (T.R. Knight) dies after being hit by a bus while saving a woman’s life. The Meredith star admitted she struggled to keep it together while filming, and her daughter had a similar reaction while watching the episode. Read her comment below:

Double-oh seven. Which, by the way, my daughter had the same reaction when she saw the 007. She literally cried. I had to film it and I couldn’t hold it together.

Pompeo also shared that while her middle daughter has reached the age when her classmates are watching the series, she’s still hesitant about allowing her younger children to fully explore the show due to its mature themes. This is what she had to say:

I still think there’s a lot of inappropriate stuff that 10-year-olds should not be seeing. So no judgment on other parents, but I just don’t want to answer questions. I get some weird questions because I was in the scene. ‘So, why are your panties on the bulletin board?’ Really don’t want to talk about that right now.

What This Means For Grey’s Anatomy’s Legacy

The 007 Episode Still Hits Hard 16 Years Later

Originally aired in 2009, George O’Malley’s tragic ending remains one of Grey’s Anatomy‘s most heart-wrenching moments. Left unrecognizable from his injuries, George draws “007” on Meredith’s hand to identify himself. The significance of “007” goes back to George’s early days at Seattle Grace, now called Grey-Sloan Memorial due to another set of devastating deaths in Grey’s Anatomy, where it was his nickname among fellow interns. Pompeo’s anecdote not only reinforces the show’s emotional power but also exemplifies how newer audiences, including her daughter, are still deeply affected by its most memorable storylines.

This speaks to the series’ long-lasting legacy that knows how to create some of the most gut-wrenching, unforgettable moments on television. With Grey’s Anatomy still going strong after 20 years, its capability to capture new audiences is undeniable. Younger generations are now discovering the show through streaming platforms and social media, keeping its fanbase alive and engaged, possibly fueling the tank for more seasons of Grey’s Anatomy. Her comments also reflect how the show’s mix of medical drama, romance, and personal struggles makes it relatable across generations.

Our Take On Pompeo’s Story

Grey’s Anatomy’s Emotional Power Remains Unmatched

Whether it’s the early days of Meredith and Derek’s relationship or the shocking moments that the show excels at, Grey’s Anatomy continues to leave an emotional impact on its audiences, whether old or new, proving why the series remains one of TV’s most enduring dramas. Even for those who weren’t around when the show originally aired, its ability to provoke such strong emotions is a testament to its writing, performances, and cultural significance.

While the medical series is known for its many dramatic moments, few are comparable to George’s heartbreaking death, and hearing Pompeo’s story about her daughter’s reaction and how that moment continues to affect audiences adds another layer of meaning to it. As Grey’s Anatomy is set to come back from its mid-season break on March 6, it’s clear that moments like this will continue to shape its legacy.