Ellen Pompeo Opens Up About 20 Years of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and Her Unforgettable Experience with Taylor Swift

From the iconic world of Grey’s Anatomy to working with one of pop music’s biggest stars, Ellen Pompeo is reflecting on her illustrious career and her personal life.

In a candid interview, Pompeo, who has played the beloved Meredith Grey for over 20 years, discussed the emotional journey of being part of one of TV’s longest-running dramas, her experiences raising kids in the public eye, and how an unexpected connection with Taylor Swift earned her major “cool mom” points with her children.

A Milestone in TV History: 20 Years of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

It’s hard to believe, but Grey’s Anatomy—a show that became a household name and a cultural phenomenon—is marking its 20th anniversary this year.

Ellen Pompeo, who has portrayed Meredith Grey since the very beginning, opened up about the experience of being part of such an iconic series.

“It’s hard to believe,” Pompeo admitted, reflecting on the milestone.

“20 years ago feels like yesterday.

I remember nothing from my first day on set,” she laughs.

“It feels like a lifetime ago, but I think that’s how it is when you’re doing something that becomes such a big part of your life.”

The actress confessed that, at the start, she never anticipated the show’s immense success, let alone its longevity.

“Did I think it would last 20 years? Of course not,” Pompeo said.

“You don’t think about things like that when you’re starting out.

It was just a job.

We were just doing our best, and here we are two decades later.”

The Secret to Grey’s Anatomy’s Enduring Success

Despite being part of Grey’s Anatomy for so long, Pompeo doesn’t seem to be getting tired of her role anytime soon.

When asked if there was a point where she thought the show might end, she quickly responded, “I don’t think the show will ever end.

I’ll always pop in and out.

It’s my home.

And I don’t think Shonda [Rhimes] or Debbie Allen will ever let me leave completely.”

Pompeo’s relationship with the fans has also contributed to the show’s longevity.

The actress described how the Grey’s Anatomy fanbase has evolved over the years, becoming the backbone that keeps the show alive.

“The fans have taken over.

It’s their show now.

They’re the reason we’ve made it this far,” she explained.

Indeed, the fans’ unwavering support has played a significant role in keeping the series going.

Grey’s Anatomy remains one of the most beloved TV dramas, even as it evolves with each passing season.

But Pompeo’s connection to her character and the show is undeniably deep.

The Personal Life Behind the Fame

While Ellen Pompeo is known for playing a driven and determined doctor on screen, her personal life paints a picture of a grounded and family-focused woman.

Raising her children in the public eye, Pompeo has often been protective of their privacy.

However, she shared some sweet moments about her daughter, Stella, who is now a pre-teen.

“She’s a huge fan of the show, but like all kids, she hit a wall when George O’Malley died.

She was like, ‘I’m done.

I can’t do this anymore,’” Pompeo shared with a laugh.

“She started watching it when she was around 10 or 11.

It’s funny because I never thought she’d be watching the show at that age, but the kids at school all started watching, and she wanted to be a part of it.”

Pompeo also opened up about the pressures of being a “cool mom” in Hollywood.

Despite her massive success, she admitted that her son and daughter don’t always see her the same way her fans do.

“I don’t think I get cool points from my kids. I don’t,” she said with a laugh.

“But if I can get Coachella tickets, or if I can introduce them to basketball players, that’s how I get cool points.

It’s not about being on TV, that’s for sure.”

Still, there are moments when Pompeo finds a way to impress her kids.

One such moment came when she appeared in Taylor Swift’s music video for the hit song “You Belong with Me.”

For Pompeo, the experience of working with Swift was an unforgettable one, and it earned her some serious “cool mom” credibility.

Taylor Swift: The Unexpected Friendship

Pompeo’s connection with Taylor Swift has left a lasting impact on her family.

Reflecting on her time on set with Swift, Pompeo was clearly impressed by the pop sensation’s generosity and kindness.

“I didn’t know Taylor personally, but she invited me to be in her music video.

I thought, ‘Oh, this will be fun!’ I had no idea it would become this huge thing,” she said, clearly enjoying the memory.

“The video shoot was quick and easy—just an hour or two.

At the time, I was doing a lot of charity work with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, so it felt like a great fit.”

What Pompeo didn’t expect was the ripple effect it would have in her personal life.

“You know, with kids, you’re always looking for ways to get cool points.

And appearing in Taylor’s video? That definitely gave me some mileage with my kids,” she shared.

“They were so excited about it!”

But it didn’t end there.

When Pompeo was raising money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, she reached out to Swift for support.

“I got up the nerve to ask Taylor for a donation to the hospital.

And she didn’t hesitate.

She wrote me the biggest check without blinking an eye.

It was amazing.

She’s such a good person,” Pompeo recalled.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Looking back on her career, Ellen Pompeo is grateful for everything that Grey’s Anatomy has brought her, from the friendships she’s built with her co-stars, to the fans that have supported her through it all.

“It’s been a lifetime of memories, and I’m just so grateful for everything,” Pompeo reflected.

She has also built an impressive legacy outside of acting, becoming a prominent advocate for issues close to her heart, including children’s health and empowerment.

And as for Grey’s Anatomy? Pompeo is confident that the show will continue to thrive for many years to come.

“As long as the fans are there, I think the show will keep going,” she said.

“And as long as I’m part of it, I’ll be there, popping in and out.”

With a career spanning over two decades, Ellen Pompeo has become a household name, not just for her iconic role as Meredith Grey, but for her deep connection to the fans, her advocacy, and her personal journey as a mother and wife.

As Grey’s Anatomy moves forward into the next chapter, Pompeo’s legacy is undoubtedly cemented, but her journey is far from over.

And as for Taylor Swift? It looks like she’ll always have a special place in Pompeo’s heart, especially for the way she helped Pompeo earn those precious “cool mom” points.