When "Grey's Anatomy" made its debut in March 2005, it instantly captivated audiences, catapulting Ellen Pompeo into the glaring limelight of Hollywood. However, the fame that ensued was far from the idyllic dream it was made out to be. Pompeo found herself under a relentless microscope, with her weight and overall health constantly under scrutiny. The pressure was palpable.
"I was painfully skinny, and I loathed it. Everyone assumed I had an eating disorder," she confessed to People magazine. "The scrutiny over my emaciated frame attracted an onslaught of negative attention." She recounted how "the tabloids viciously criticized" her figure, turning premiere appearances into daunting ordeals. "I vividly remember the anxiety on the red carpets, the relentless comments about my weight and body," Pompeo elaborated. "I sincerely hope things have evolved since then, because it was incredibly harsh two decades ago."
Despite the waning hysteria surrounding "Grey's Anatomy," the 55-year-old actress has made significant waves in the entertainment industry by advocating for her worth as a television star. In 2018, Pompeo approached her contract renegotiation for the long-running ABC series with the determination of a warrior. Showrunner Shonda Rhimes shared with The Hollywood Reporter the advice she imparted to Pompeo: "Ascertain your worth and demand it. Nobody will hand it to you on a silver platter." Pompeo emerged victorious with a lucrative contract worth over $20 million, inclusive of a seven-figure signing bonus and two full backend equity points on the series, potentially yielding an additional $6 million to $7 million. Suffice it to say, the contract was a goldmine.
Pompeo had every right to bask in her triumph; she had earned every penny. "I'm aware of the industry perception since I've portrayed this character for 14 years. But the reality is, anyone can shine in the first or second season of a show," she clarified. "Can you sustain that brilliance 14 years later? Now, that's a genuine talent." Pompeo has blazed a trail for women to achieve pay parity with men in the TV industry, having weathered the storm herself. She harbors the hope that the next generation will reap the benefits of her tireless battle.
