For nearly two decades, Pompeo anchored one of television’s longest-running and most successful medical dramas, navigating personal tragedy, professional triumphs, and the ever-shifting landscape of modern television. Her powerful, multi-layered portrayal of the resilient surgeon cemented her legacy in pop culture, allowing her to transition from a long-running lead to a powerful voice advocating for financial equity in Hollywood.
Ellen Pompeo attends the ceremony honoring her with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The Legacy of Meredith Grey
Redefining the Television Heroine
Meredith Grey was intentionally written as a flawed, emotionally complex protagonist who challenged the traditional notion of the perfect television heroine. From the series’ opening lines, “The carousel never stops turning,” Pompeo delivered a damaged but brilliant lead, a character who struggled openly with family trauma, career pressure, and morality. This vulnerability resonated deeply with audiences, creating a massive, loyal fanbase.
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Championing Female Leadership on Screen
As the show progressed, Meredith evolved from a struggling intern into the formidable Chief of General Surgery, a narrative arc that mirrored her own growth and power. Pompeo’s performance anchored the show’s focus on female friendship and professional ambition, proving that a complex female lead—especially one balancing career and motherhood—could sustain a network drama for over 20 seasons.
The Financial Trailblazer
Pompeo used her platform as the star of a global hit to publicly advocate for salary transparency and equity in Hollywood. Her high-profile contract negotiations in 2018 made her one of the highest-paid actresses on television, a victory she deliberately publicized to empower other women in the industry to demand their worth. Her candidness shifted the narrative around female compensation in long-running series.
The “You Are My Person” Cultural Phenomenon
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The enduring power of Meredith’s relationship with Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) popularized the phrase “You are my person,” which became a widespread cultural signifier for platonic soulmate relationships. Pompeo’s chemistry with Oh created one of television’s most celebrated friendships, highlighting the indispensable nature of female bonds amidst the high-stakes chaos of a surgical career.
