Ellen Pompeo Reflects on 'Grey's Anatomy' Career and Industry Challenges

In a candid interview, Pompeo discusses uncomfortable filming moments, her fight for pay equity, and stepping back from the iconic series to focus on personal growth.

Ellen Pompeo revealed the emotional difficulty of filming a Season 2 sex scene with T.R. Knight, describing it as awkward and distressing, with both actors crying during the process.
The scene had to be reshot after ABC executives deemed the original version too risqué, further adding to the actors' discomfort.
Pompeo negotiated a $20 million per season salary in 2018, becoming the highest-paid actress in a TV drama, after initially earning less than co-star Patrick Dempsey despite being the show's lead.
She consulted with 'Grey's Anatomy' creator Shonda Rhimes before pursuing pay equity, ensuring Rhimes supported her decision to advocate for herself.
Pompeo stepped back from her lead role in 2023, likening her experience to feeling like 'an animal at the zoo,' and is now promoting her new Hulu series, 'Good American Family.'