Grey’s Anatomystar Ellen Pompeo has talked about moving on from the hit show, as she pursues critical recognition, which she admits is unlikely with her role as Meredith Grey. Pompeo has led the cast ofGrey’s Anatomysince the show debuted in March 2005, and starred in the leading role for 18 seasons. FromGrey’s Anatomyseason 19, Pompeo made the decision to step back from the show and take a more limited role, allowing her a schedule to pursue other projects.
In an interview withTHR,Pompeo discussed her decision to step back fromGrey’s Anatomy, stating that she has been in the role so long, and wanted a change, but that she’s also keen to push herself critically. She mentions that the financial job security that comes withGrey’swas great, but she’s now at a stage where she craves critical acclaim, and feels she won’t receive that this far into her tenure as Meredith. She ends by saying she’s been on the show for so long she now feels like she can seek award recognition. Check out Pompeo’s comments below:
“OnGrey’s, you really only get an opportunity to be nominated for things in your first few seasons, and so that time had clearly passed. I didn’t crave that kind of recognition. I craved the sort of financial and job security situation more that I did critical accolades — that’s why I stayed on the show.
Had I been [chasing] critical acclaim, I wouldn’t have stayed onGrey’sfor so long. So it wasn’t always the most important thing to me but now that I’m doing something new, it would definitely, probably help me in this next chapter of my story — moving on fromGrey’s, doing other roles.
I haven’t given anybody a reason to believe that I could do anything else, so if people did recognize that I did do something else and it was worthy of even just a[n Emmy] nomination, maybe I can give myself a compliment, because I’m not so good at that! After 500 episodes of TV, I think it’s OK to want a little trophy now.”
What This Means For Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy Future
The Star Could Keep A Reduced Role For The Remainder Of The Show
It’s unclear how long the series will continue to run pastGrey’s Anatomyseason 22, but based on Pompeo’s comments, it is likely she will continue in a more low-key role. As executive producer, she will still have a degree of influence even if her character is only in a background role. WhileGrey’s Anatomyhas brought her prominence, money, and job security,with her performer’s hat on, Pompeo wants more than this as she reaches the latter stages of her career, and this is a good opportunity to pursue new projects.
She is set to return for the upcoming season too, with confirmationPompeo is contracted to appear in seven episodes ofGrey’s Anatomyseason 22. Of course, there could be scope for her to appear in more than that, but it is expected that a more stripped-back role will continue through the show’s remaining seasons. Her decision already appears to have paid dividends, as2025 saw Pompeo star in the Hulu limited seriesGood American Family, her first scripted live-action part since she took the role of Meredith Grey.
Our Take On Pompeo’s Decision To Move On From Grey’s Anatomy
It Makes Sense Given Her Long Tenure On The Show
Grey’s Anatomyhas done wonders for Pompeo, enhancing her star status, financial security, and career longevity, and there’s no doubt she still loves the show. But it is understandable after all this time that she wants to push herself as an actress and see what other projects out there appeal to her. Seeking accolades and critical recognition is natural for any performer, andGrey’s Anatomyhas laid the groundwork for her to be able to move on and seek new projects that are artistically more fulfilling, but that’s unlikely to mean she waves goodbye to Grey Sloan Memorial just yet.
