Ellen Pompeo has set the record straight on the rumors that she will be exiting Grey's Anatomy soon.
The long-time star of the hit medical drama has reduced her screen time for the last few seasons, and fans have been speculating whether it is a sign that she will officially say goodbye to the series sometime in the future.
Ellen Pompeo is Not Leaving Grey's Anatomy Anytime Soon
In a recent interview, Pompeo shot down the speculations that she is planning to exit Grey's Anatomy anytime soon.
She confirmed that she is not leaving the hit medical drama series, despite her reduced screen time, due to financial reasons.
"That would make no sense, emotionally or financially. The show was streamed more than a billion times in 2024. More than a billion times," Pompeo said.
"The companies that own the show and stream the show make a lot of money from our images and our voices and our faces. If I were to walk away completely, everybody gets to make money from my hard work for 20 years, and I wouldn't make any money."
The Grey's Anatomy star continued, "To me, it doesn't make any sense that everybody [else] gets to profit off of my hard work. And emotionally, the show means a lot to people. I want to have an attitude of gratitude toward the show."
Ellen Pompeo Explains Her Reduced Screen Time in Grey's Anatomy
In the same interview, Pompeo explained her decision to scale down her screen time in the last few seasons of Grey's Anatomy.
"I've been doing it for 20 years, so it was time to step away. I have three children, and I love spending time with them and I love being involved in their lives. I'm very lucky to be able to get to work sometimes and take time off. I have a nice balance in my life," she said.
Pompeo also addressed her starring role in the new Hulu limited series Good American Family, which marked her first major role after Grey's Anatomy.
"It was at the same time thrilling and terrifying. People have been watching me in the same role for 20 years. I've been playing the same role for 20 years. I had no reason to believe that I could do anything else," she explained.
"I hadn't tested myself in 20 years, and I can't expect my audience to believe me as anything else. If I'm going to ask them to watch me as a new character, then I'd better deliver on all fronts."
What do you think of Pompeo's remarks? Let us know in the comments!
Make sure to follow our official Facebook page for more news and explainer articles about your favorite films and TV shows!