Ellen Pompeo honored as a 'living, breathing icon' at Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony

USA Today

30-04-2025

Ellen Pompeo honored as a 'living, breathing icon' at Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Star of 'Grey's Anatomy' Ellen Pompeo receives star on Walk of Fame
"She has earned this star." Ellen Pompeo, star of the TV series "Grey's Anatomy" received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ellen Pompeo is getting her flowers.
The "Grey's Anatomy" star, 55, reflected that the "stars really have aligned for me my whole life" as she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29. Her husband Chris Ivery was present to help Pompeo celebrate the honor, and the couple posed for photos with their kids Stella, 15, and Eli, 8.
"This is a million miles from where I ever thought I would be," she said. "I've learned how to be here, how to stand here, how to enjoy all of this because of the people in my life, because they've taught me so much."
One of those people was "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes, who delivered remarks praising Pompeo as a "living, breathing icon."
TV viewers just can't quit 'Grey's Anatomy': Why star Ellen Pompeo doesn't want to either
The legendary TV producer recalled having lunch with Pompeo when casting her as Meredith Grey on the long-running ABC medical drama, after which she wrote in her journal that the actress "will lay you out with the truth, up, down and sideways."
"I was absolutely thrilled and a little bit terrified because it's rare to meet somebody like her," Rhimes said. "Very few people actually are who they present themselves to be, but Ellen is exactly who she says she is, and you're one of a kind."
Rhimes continued that although she created Meredith Grey, the actress "is Meredith Grey, and not just on the soundstage," adding that she is "fierce and funny and thoughtful and caring," and the "TV landscape is forever changed for the better by having you shining in it."
Pompeo has starred on "Grey's Anatomy," TV's longest-running primetime medical drama, since 2005.
"Grey's Anatomy" star Debbie Allen also spoke at the ceremony and said that "I don't know anybody like" Pompeo, a "great mother and an incredible friend."
Why Ellen Pompeo feared her latest television role could be 'Cancel City'
"Grey's Anatomy" is currently airing its 21st season. In a recent interview with El País, Pompeo said she doesn't plan to leave anytime soon, telling the outlet, "That would make no sense. Emotionally or financially. The show was streamed more than a billion times in 2024. More than a billion times."
Contributing: Anna Kaufman