A long-timeGrey’s Anatomystar has pleaded for legacy star Ellen Pompeo to return to the show full-time. The hit medical drama first debuted on ABC in 2005 and has become the network’s flagship show. A ratings juggernaut,Grey’s Anatomyis the longest-running scripted primetime currently airing on ABC, and Pompeo’s Dr. Meredith Grey has been synonymous with the show’s success over the years. After being front and center for almost two decades, Pompeo took a reduced role duringGrey’s Anatomyseason 19, and has explored other projects, recently starring on the Hulu dramaGood American Family.
PerEW,Debbie Allen, who has played Dr. Catherine Fox on theGrey’s Anatomysince 2011, took light-hearted aim at her co-starwith a playful dig. She ribbed Pompeo for starring in theGood American Familyon Hulu, her first leading role outsideGrey’s Anatomyin 20 years. Joking about the show allowing Pompeo to leave and do something else, she urged her co-star to “bring your butt back home.” Check out Allen’s tongue-in-cheek comments below:
“We let her out to go do that other show. Okay, Ms. Thing. Are you okay now? You did that. Now bring your butt back home.”
What This Means For Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy Legacy
She’s An Actress Who Can Play Many Parts, But Grey’s Will Forever Be A Part Of Her Life
Starring on an iconic TV show is a dream, but to be the lead in a show as iconic asGrey’s Anatomy, for as long as Pompeo has, will forever tie her to that show and to the character of Meredith Grey. Allen’s comments, though meant in a lighthearted way, show thatPompeo is so associated withGrey’s Anatomythat it is sometimes difficult to imagine her in any other role. While Meredith Grey might be a less prominentGrey’s Anatomycharacterthese days, she remains the lead of the show, and has cemented Pompeo’s status as a cultural icon.
How much longer she will continue to be involved inGrey’s Anatomyis unclear, but there is no doubt that her impact on helping to makeGrey’s Anatomythe pop culture behemoth it has become should not be underestimated.
It also cements the fact thatGrey’s Anatomyneeds Meredith Grey, in some capacity. The show simply wouldn’t feel the same without her, and, as Allen’s comments indicate, the show feels like home for Pompeo, and vice versa. How much longer she will continue to be involved inGrey’s Anatomyis unclear, but there is no doubt that her impact on helping to makeGrey’s Anatomythe pop culture behemoth it has become should not be underestimated.
Our Take On Pompeo Leaving The Comfort Of Grey Sloan Memorial
The Actress Seems To Be Looking To Take Her Career In A Fresh Direction
The fact that the actress is now branching out to try other roles suggests she feels like she wants to expand her career. The days of worrying about being pigeonholed are long gone, given Pompeo’s 20-year stint on the ABC medical drama. However, the fact she is actively pursuing other roles could signal that her time onGrey’s Anatomyis winding down, and even that newly renewedGrey’s Anatomyseason 22could be the final season of the show. As an actress, it is natural for her to want to explore other opportunities now that herGrey’s Anatomylegacy is confirmed.
Grey’s Anatomy
Cast
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama series revolving around surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show features the professional and personal lives of these medical professionals, led initially by Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series highlights the complexities of medical cases while delving into the interpersonal relationships among the hospital staff.
