What is Ellen Pompeo’s net worth? Dr Meredith Grey leaves the Grey’s Anatomy after 17 years

Ellen Pompeo will be leaving Grey’s Anatomy after 15 years. (AFP via Getty Images)
Ellen Pompeo will be leaving Grey’s Anatomy after 15 years. (AFP via Getty Images)

One of Hollywood’s highest-earning TV stars Ellen Pompeo has announced her departure from Grey’s Anatomy.

Pompeo has portrayed Dr Meredith Grey in more than 400 episodes since the show began in 2005, a role that has made her one of the highest-paid TV actresses working today.

At the start of the show’s most recent season, Pompeo had announced that she would have a limited role because she wanted to explore other acting opportunities. Soon after the release of season 19, the star announced she is leaving the show.

In an Instagram post announcing her exit, she said: “I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY and the show for 19 seasons.”

“Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC.

“I love you madly and appreciate you right back. This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on.”

Find out below what we know about Ellen Pompeo and her net worth.

Who is Ellen Pompeo?

Ellen Pompeo is a 53-year-old American actress who made her debut in Law & Order in 1996.

She then guest-starred in other television shows, including the comedy Strangers with Candy, medical drama Strong Medicine, and the sitcom Friends.

Ellen Pompeo is one of TV’s highest paid actresses. (Getty Images for FIJI Water)
Ellen Pompeo is one of TV’s highest paid actresses. (Getty Images for FIJI Water)

The Massachusetts-born actress made her feature film debut in 1999 with the romantic comedy Coming Soon, and went on to play minor roles in films like In the Weeds and Mambo Café, but found little initial success.

Her career reached a turning point in 2002 when she achieved widespread acclaim for her leading role in Brad Silberling's drama Moonlight Mile.

Pompeo made her acting debut as Dr Meredith Grey in the Grey’s Anatomy series premiere in March 2005.

The ABC medical drama features a group of surgeons working at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly known as Seattle Grace), in Seattle, Washington.

Along with James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber) and Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey), Pompeo is one of the three original cast members still on the show.

She married her husband, Chris Ivery, in 2007, and together they have three children: Sienna, Eli, and Stella.

The Look Book: Ellen Pompeo

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)
September 24, 2002<br><br>Wearing a red layered frock for the <i>Moonlight Mile</i> benefit screening in Beverly Hills, CA, USA (Getty Images)
September 24, 2002

Wearing a red layered frock for the Moonlight Mile benefit screening in Beverly Hills, CA, USA (Getty Images)
February 13, 2003<br><br>Wearing a black ensemble for the premiere of <i>Old School</i> in Hollywood, CA, USA (Getty Images)
February 13, 2003

Wearing a black ensemble for the premiere of Old School in Hollywood, CA, USA (Getty Images)
May 2, 2005 <br><br>Wearing an emerald backless gown for the <i>Chanel</i> Met Gala in New York, NY, USA (Getty Images)
May 2, 2005

Wearing an emerald backless gown for the Chanel Met Gala in New York, NY, USA (Getty Images)
January 16, 2006<br><br>Wearing a draped inspired gown for the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, CA, USA (Getty Images)
January 16, 2006

Wearing a draped inspired gown for the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, CA, USA (Getty Images)
January 29, 2006<br><br>Wearing a strapless red gown for the 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards  in Los Angeles, CA, USA (Getty Images)
January 29, 2006

Wearing a strapless red gown for the 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, CA, USA (Getty Images)
August 27, 2006<br><br>Wearing a velvet strapless for the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, CA, USA (Getty Images)
August 27, 2006

Wearing a velvet strapless for the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, CA, USA (Getty Images)
January 15, 2007<br><br>Wearing a white draped gown for the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, CA, USA (Getty Images)
January 15, 2007

Wearing a white draped gown for the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, CA, USA (Getty Images)
February 25, 2007<br><br>Wearing a patterned gown for the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, CA, USA (Getty Images)
February 25, 2007

Wearing a patterned gown for the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, CA, USA (Getty Images)
May 7, 2007<br><br>Wearing a sparkling strapless gown for the <i>Poiret: King Of Fashion</i> Met Gala in New York, NY, USA (Getty Images)
May 7, 2007

Wearing a sparkling strapless gown for the Poiret: King Of Fashion Met Gala in New York, NY, USA (Getty Images)
September 16, 2007<br><br>Wearing a black strapless dress for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, CA, USA (Getty Images)
September 16, 2007

Wearing a black strapless dress for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, CA, USA (Getty Images)

What is Ellen Pompeo’s net worth?

Being the highest-paid cast member on Grey's Anatomy, fans have long been interested in Ellen Pompeo's net worth.

According to Forbes, Pompeo makes $550,000 per episode on Grey’s Anatomy. She also receives about $6 million per year from her share of syndication profits. All in all, Forbes reports that she makes $19 million (£15.9 million) per year.

Celebrity Net Worth suggests Pompeo’s total net worth is worth a massive $80 million (£67 million).

She is thought to be one of the highest-paid TV actresses working today, alongside Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara and The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco.