When Grey’s Anatomy premiered in March 2005, the show was an instant hit. The success thrust Ellen Pompeo into the hot spotlight of Hollywood, but the fame wasn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
During that era, there was constant scrutiny surrounding her weight and her overall health — and the pressure was real. “I was so skinny, and I hated it, and everyone thought I had an eating disorder,” she told People. “It was a whole situation with how skinny I was, and there was so much negative attention.” She recalled how “the tabloids would say horrible things” about her figure, and it made attending premieres a less-than-pleasant experience.
“I just remember being so anxious on red carpets, and the comments about my weight and my body,” Pompeo continued. “I’m so glad, maybe, hopefully, things have changed, because it was much, much more brutal 20 years ago.” Even though the Grey’s Anatomy hype has died down, the 55-year-old actress has made waves in the entertainment industry for fighting for what she’s worth as a TV star.
In 2018, she decided to go in like a man when it was time to renegotiate her contract for the long-running ABC series. Showrunner Shonda Rhimes told The Hollywood Reporter the advice she gave to Pompeo: “Decide what you think you’re worth and then ask for what you think you’re worth. Nobody’s just going to give it to you.” Pompeo walked away with a contract worth over $20 million, including a “seven-figure signing bonus and two full backend equity points on the series, estimated to bring in another $6 million to $7 million.” Let’s just say, the contract was lucrative.
Pompeo had no problem patting herself on the back — she deserved every dollar. “I know that’s the industry perception because I’ve been this character for 14 years. But the truth is, anybody can be good on a show season one and two,” she explained.” Can you be good 14 years later? Now, that’s a f**kin’ skill.”
Pompeo paved the way for women to have pay parity with men in the TV industry because she has been through the trenches — and she hopes the next generation will reap the rewards of her fight.
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