Ellen Pompeo is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her role in Grey's Anatomy, which has earned her global recognition as one of the highest-paid actors since 2017. Her exceptional talent has been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination. Pompeo's consistent presence on Forbes' year-end lists solidifies her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
November 10, 1969: Birth of Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Kathleen Pompeo was born on November 10, 1969.
1995: Move to New York City and Start of Modeling Career
Ellen Pompeo and her then-boyfriend moved to New York City in 1995. There, she was discovered by a casting director and began appearing in advertisements.
1996: Television Debut on "Law & Order"
In 1996, Ellen Pompeo made her television debut with a guest appearance on the NBC legal police drama "Law & Order."
1999: Feature Film Debut in "Coming Soon"
Ellen Pompeo made her feature film debut in 1999 with a role in the romantic comedy "Coming Soon."
1999: Film Debut in "Coming Soon"
Ellen Pompeo made her feature film debut in the 1999 film "Coming Soon."
2000: Second Appearance on "Law & Order" and Other Guest Roles
Ellen Pompeo made her second guest appearance on "Law & Order" in 2000. She also had guest roles on "Strangers with Candy," "Strong Medicine," and "Friends."
2001: Move to Los Angeles
Ellen Pompeo moved to Los Angeles in 2001.
2002: Roles in "Moonlight Mile" and "Catch Me If You Can"
Ellen Pompeo had a lead role in the film "Moonlight Mile" and appeared in the biographical crime drama "Catch Me If You Can" in 2002.
2002: Breakthrough Role in "Moonlight Mile"
In 2002, Ellen Pompeo's role in the romantic drama "Moonlight Mile" marked a turning point in her career, earning her critical recognition.
2003: Meeting Chris Ivery
Ellen Pompeo first encountered Chris Ivery, whom she would later marry, at a Los Angeles grocery store in 2003. This chance meeting marked the beginning of their relationship, which blossomed from a six-month friendship into romance.
2003: Appearance in "Old School" and "Daredevil"
Ellen Pompeo appeared in the comedy film "Old School" and the superhero film "Daredevil" in 2003.
2003: Appearances in "Old School" and "Daredevil"
Ellen Pompeo appeared in the comedy "Old School" and played the role of Karen Page in the film "Daredevil" in 2003.
2004: Roles in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Art Heist"
Ellen Pompeo had a role in the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" in 2004, although her scenes were cut. She also starred in the film "Art Heist."
2004: Roles in "Art Heist" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
In 2004, Ellen Pompeo starred in the film "Art Heist" and had a role in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," although her scenes were cut from the final film.
2005: Appearance in "Life of the Party"
Ellen Pompeo appeared in the comedy drama "Life of the Party" in 2005.
2005: 'Grey's Anatomy' Premiere
Ellen Pompeo's long-standing presence on 'Grey's Anatomy' began with the show's premiere in 2005, marking the start of her journey as Meredith Grey.
2005: Landing the Role of Meredith Grey in "Grey's Anatomy"
In 2005, Ellen Pompeo landed her breakout role as Meredith Grey in the ABC medical drama series "Grey's Anatomy."
2006: Awards and Recognition for "Grey's Anatomy"
Ellen Pompeo and the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" won several awards in 2006, including Best Ensemble in a Television Series at the Satellite Awards. Pompeo was also nominated for Best Actress in a Television Drama Series at the Satellite Awards and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
2006: Ellen Pompeo Reflects on Her Mother's Death
In 2006, Ellen Pompeo spoke about how the death of her mother at a young age had a profound impact on her life.
2007: National Italian American Foundation Honor
In 2007, Ellen Pompeo was honored by the National Italian American Foundation for her achievements in entertainment. This recognition came at a formal event in Washington, D.C.
2007: Public Criticism of Eating Disorder Rumors
In 2007, Ellen Pompeo openly criticized media reports that suggested she was struggling with an eating disorder. In an interview with Los Angeles Confidential Magazine, she expressed concern about the impact such rumors could have on young girls who looked up to her.
2007: Golden Globe Award Nomination and Women in Film Lucy Award
Ellen Pompeo received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "Grey's Anatomy" in 2007. She and the female cast and crew also received the Women in Film Lucy Award.
2007: Marriage to Chris Ivery
Ellen Pompeo married music producer Chris Ivery in 2007.
2007: Marriage to Chris Ivery
Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery were married in 2007 in a ceremony where New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg served as a legal witness. This event solidified their relationship, which began with a chance meeting in a grocery store.
2008: Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination
Ellen Pompeo and the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" were nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 15th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2008.
2009: Consideration for Emmy Award
In 2009, there was growing sentiment, particularly from those like Tom O'Neil and readers of his awards website 'The Envelope,' that Ellen Pompeo deserved an Emmy Award nomination for her role in 'Grey's Anatomy.'
October 27, 2011: Launch of Calamity Jane Production Company
On October 27, 2011, Ellen Pompeo established her own production company, Calamity Jane, marking her foray into producing content. The company's first project was an untitled show about female agents in the Secretary of State's security detail, which was sold to ABC.
2011: New Contract for "Grey's Anatomy"
Ellen Pompeo signed a new contract for "Grey's Anatomy" in 2011, significantly increasing her salary.
September 1, 2012: Death of Ellen Pompeo's Father
Ellen Pompeo's father passed away on September 1, 2012.
2012: Ranked Eighth Highest-Paid TV Actress by Forbes
Ellen Pompeo was ranked the eighth highest-paid TV actress by Forbes in 2012.
2013: Renewed Contract for "Grey's Anatomy"
Ellen Pompeo signed another renewed contract for "Grey's Anatomy" in 2013 with an increased salary.
2013: Involvement in 'Motivos Personales'
Ellen Pompeo was involved in the production of 'Motivos Personales,' a Spanish thriller, with the London-based company New Media Vision.
August 2014: Development of Dramas with ABC Studios
In August 2014, it was announced that Ellen Pompeo was developing two new drama series with ABC Studios. One was an adaptation of Rachel Carey's novel 'Debt' for ABC Family, and the other was a police drama focused on female characters for ABC.
2015: Appearance in Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' Music Video
Ellen Pompeo made a notable appearance in the music video for Taylor Swift's hit single 'Bad Blood,' released in 2015.
2015: Ranked Fourth Highest-Paid TV Actress by Forbes
In 2015, Forbes ranked Ellen Pompeo as the fourth highest-paid TV actress.
2016: Denzel Washington Directs 'Grey's Anatomy' Episode
Denzel Washington directed Ellen Pompeo in the 2016 'Grey's Anatomy' episode "The Sound of Silence." This episode later became the subject of public discussion when Pompeo recounted an on-set disagreement she had with Washington during filming.
2016: New Contract and Continued High Ranking on Forbes List
Ellen Pompeo signed a new contract for "Grey's Anatomy" and maintained her high ranking on Forbes' list of highest-paid actresses in 2016.
2016: Support for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
In 2016, Ellen Pompeo, alongside other prominent figures associated with Shonda Rhimes' ABC Thursday lineup of shows, participated in an advertising campaign in support of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. The campaign drew parallels between Clinton and the strong female characters featured in Rhimes' shows.
2016: Ranked Fourth Highest-Paid TV Actress by Forbes
In 2016, Forbes ranked Ellen Pompeo as the fourth highest-paid TV actress, with earnings of $14.9 million.
2017: Ellen Pompeo Becomes One of the World's Highest-Paid Actors
In 2017, Ellen Pompeo became one of the world's highest-paid actors and appeared on multiple Forbes' year-end lists.
January 2018: Highest-Paid Actress in a Television Drama Series
In January 2018, Ellen Pompeo negotiated a groundbreaking deal with ABC, becoming the highest-paid actress in a television drama series for her role in 'Grey's Anatomy.' The contract, which secured her over $20 million per year, also elevated her to the position of producer.
2018: Ranked Third Highest-Paid Female Actor by Forbes
By 2018, Ellen Pompeo became the third highest-paid female actor and fifth highest-paid actor overall, earning $23.6 million, according to Forbes.
2019: Guest Judge on 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'
Ellen Pompeo made a guest appearance as a judge on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' in 2019, showcasing her presence in the reality television competition realm.
2021: Public Account of On-Set Disagreement with Denzel Washington
In 2021, Ellen Pompeo shared an account of a heated on-set argument she had with Denzel Washington during the filming of the 2016 'Grey's Anatomy' episode "The Sound of Silence," which Washington directed. Her remarks, made on her podcast, sparked considerable controversy.