Despite the show’s popularity, Pompeo sets boundaries for her children regarding its mature content.
Ellen Pompeo has spent an incredible 21 seasons portraying Dr. Meredith Grey on the long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” Despite the show’s immense popularity, she’s not keen on letting her younger daughter, Sienna, watch it just yet. In a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Pompeo candidly shared her thoughts about parenting and her children’s interactions with her iconic role.
Pompeo, who is a mother to three children—15-year-old Stella, 10-year-old Sienna, and 6-year-old Eli—revealed that while Stella has seen episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Sienna is still off-limits. “I don’t want my daughter to see me in my underwear on television just yet,” she explained, adding that her younger daughter’s friends have already watched it. “But all her classmates have so, that makes for great conversation at pickup,” Pompeo admitted with a laugh.
Reflecting on her lengthy tenure in the series, she acknowledged that it first debuted 20 years ago, on March 27, 2005. Kimmel asked if watching old episodes brought up any nostalgia. Pompeo responded, “No, because I don’t remember half of it. I’m just like, ‘Wow, when did that happen?'” This engaging insight showcases her longstanding commitment to the show while indicating a delightful dose of forgetfulness about the rich tapestry of her character’s journey.
At 55 years old, Pompeo has recently transitioned from a full-time role in “Grey’s Anatomy.” While she stepped back from the intricacies of day-to-day shooting in 2023, her involvement is far from over. According to her comments made in an interview with “USA Today,” she is currently negotiating to appear in seven episodes in the upcoming season— the same number as this present season. “I absolutely am so privileged to be able to say that I get to be a part of it, still, and the fans love that, and with a commitment that works for me and makes me able to fill my life with other things,” she noted graciously.
Pompeo’s career is evolving beyond her iconic role as she steps into new territory with her latest project, “Good American Family”— a story that delves into deeper, controversial themes. The Hulu series debuted its first two episodes on March 19, 2025, with additional episodes scheduled to be released weekly through April 30, 2025. The series narrates the tangled life of Kristine Barnett, a mother who adopts a girl named Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian immigrant born with dwarfism. As Pompeo’s character sifts through revelations about Natalia, the plot thickens, and the narrative invites viewers to question trust in the assumed innocence of youth.
“I really wanted something that really challenged me and to see if I have what it takes,” Pompeo said, explaining her motivations for taking on this role. She acknowledged the weight of her career, explaining, “I’ve been doing the same thing for 20 years. And if I fall on my face, I fall on my face. This was something that I could put 200% of my effort into and let’s just see what happens.” Fans are eager to see how she handles the complexities presented in this new character.
As the release of “Good American Family” continues and as viewers engage with Pompeo’s evolving career, her thoughtful approach to parenting and her impressive work ethic are clear. With new challenges ahead, she manages to balance her commitment to her children while crafting her career as a captivating actress.
From her soulful portrayal of Meredith Grey to her bold leap into new roles, Ellen Pompeo continues to leave an indelible mark on both the television landscape and in the lives of viewers around the world.
