Ellen Pompeo net worth is estimated at $80 million, recently made headlines with candid statements about why she won’t leave the long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” despite criticism and reduced screen time in recent seasons.
The actress, who has portrayed Dr. Meredith Grey since 2005, explained in a recent interview that walking away from the hit show makes “no sense” financially or emotionally after dedicating 20 years to the character.
The $20 Million Reason to Stay
In 2017, Pompeo negotiated a landmark $20 million per year contract after consulting with show creator Shonda Rhimes. This deal made her the highest-paid actress on television at the time—a title she earned by doing something many women struggle with: asking for what she’s worth.
“Women should always push the envelope,” Pompeo stated in a recent podcast appearance. “All anyone can say is no.”
What’s particularly striking about Pompeo’s approach to wealth is how openly she connects it to personal power and independence.
“I became aware at a really early age that people with money had power,” she revealed. “I didn’t have any power as a young woman. And I didn’t like the way that felt.”
Financial Independence as Freedom
For Pompeo, the substantial salary represents more than just wealth—it’s about autonomy.
“To be financially independent, to me, is what makes me the happiest and makes me feel the most free,” she explained. “I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do.”
She elaborated on this philosophy: “As a woman I’m sure you know how freeing it feels to have financial independence. You don’t have to be with any man you don’t want to be with. For women, financial freedom is true independence.”
The Business Side of Grey’s Anatomy
While some fans have criticized Pompeo’s reduced screen time in recent seasons, the actress has been transparent about the business realities behind her decision to stay with the show.
“If I were to walk away completely, everybody gets to make money from my hard work for 20 years and I wouldn’t make any money,” she said, referring to streaming platforms and networks that profit from the show’s massive library of content.
Season 21 will feature Pompeo in at least seven on-camera episodes, adding to her role as the show’s narrator. Despite pivoting to a reduced role beginning in Season 19, she remains committed to the series that has defined her career.
Beyond the Paycheck: Emotional Investment
Money isn’t the only factor in Pompeo’s decision. After two decades playing Meredith Grey, she feels a deep emotional connection to the character and the show’s impact.
“The show means a lot to people. I want to have an attitude of gratitude toward the show,” she shared, acknowledging the series’ cultural significance.
Pompeo has also used her position and financial security to advocate for other women, encouraging them to know their worth in their respective workplaces.
“How can I take that power and do good with it?” she asked. “How can I amplify someone else? How can I help someone else? How can I lift up someone else that doesn’t sit in the position of privilege that I sit in?”
What’s Next for Pompeo?
While continuing her association with Grey’s Anatomy, Pompeo has begun to explore other projects. Her recent series “Good American Family” represents a significant departure from her long-running medical drama role. In the article, she mentioned that she accepted this project because she was “looking for something that was very different from Meredith Grey,” acknowledging it was a daunting but exciting decision.
Beyond this, she has appeared in a Hulu limited series and made a cameo in Taylor Swift‘s “Bad Blood” music video.
With financial security established, she now has the freedom to be selective about future roles—a luxury afforded by the salary that has given her what she values most: true independence.