When Ellen Pompeo Nearly Quit Grey’s Anatomy But Chose To Stay Because Of This Reason: “It Became No Longer About…”
Ellen Pompeo opens up about facing a toxic work environment, choosing family over fame, and taking creative control of Grey’s Anatomy.
Ellen Pompeo, famed for depicting Meredith Grey in the long-running drama Grey’s Anatomy, almost left the show. Throughout its impressive 18 seasons, many major characters have exited the show, but Pompeo chose to stay. Her reasons were both deeply personal and rooted in a sense of duty and responsibility.
Pompeo, one of the few original cast members still present after nearly two decades, revealed that she considered leaving due to a highly toxic work environment during the show’s early years. Speaking candidly to Variety, she explained that “the first 10 years we had serious culture issues, very bad behavior, really toxic work environment.”
The atmosphere behind the scenes, reportedly marred by conflict and misconduct, profoundly impacted her. But everything shifted when she became a mother—her priorities realigned. “Once I started having kids, it became no longer about me. I need to provide for my family,” she said, indicating that financial stability and a consistent routine took precedence over career experimentation.
In an atmosphere of rumors that actor Patrick Dempsey’s off-screen behavior contributed to his character’s exit in Season 11. Though officially unconfirmed by ABC, industry voices have suggested that Dempsey’s departure might be due to claims of toxic behavior. This context underscores the challenging choice Ellen Pompeo had to make. Where others chose to leave, she stood firm, her responsibilities at home holding her steady.
In another interview on the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast, Pompeo disclosed further information. She said, “I made choices to stay on the show. For me, personally, a healthy home life was more important than a career.” She emphasized that her decisions weren’t rooted in fear or limitation but in deliberate prioritization. The show’s success, especially its global reach and streaming popularity, also influenced her. “I knew it was such a downloadable show, I want a piece of this pie, too,” she admitted, acknowledging the show’s lucrative potential.
Despite the challenges, Ellen Pompeo’s role on Grey’s Anatomy has evolved beyond acting. After Season 10, significant transitions occurred behind the scenes and in the cast lineup. She and showrunner Shonda Rhimes began taking more control over the creative direction. Pompeo told Variety, “It became my goal to have an experience there that I could be happy and proud about, because we had so much turmoil for 10 years.” She added that she and Rhimes made a pact to determine the show’s conclusion together, signaling a more empowered position within the production.
Ultimately, Pompeo’s decision to remain wasn’t just about survival—it was about legacy, ownership, and personal values. She weathered the storm not only for financial security but to shape a series she could stand behind, despite its troubled history.
