Ellen Pompeo Opens Up

Fans of Grey's Anatomy received some saddening news earlier this year when star Sandra Oh confirmed she would be exiting the show at the end of the 10th season. Luckily, Ellen Pompeo doesn't have a desire to leave the drama that made her famous. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Pompeo stated, "Actors always think the grass is greener somewhere else — I didn’t want to do that. I have an amazing life and it’s all because I didn’t leave Grey’s Anatomy.”

Pompeo also opened up about the exits of series regulars Isaiah Washington and Katherine Heigl. "Hurt feelings, combined with instant success and huge paychecks started things spinning out of control,” she remembered. “I started to focus on the work."

Pompeo also confirmed that Washington wanted the role of Dr. Derek Shepard, the role that Patrick Dempsey would take. She thought it was too close to her own life since Pompeo is married to African-American music producer Chris Ivery. 

The departure of Katherine Heigl was difficult for Pompeo. "You could understand why she wanted to go — when you’re offered $12 million a movie. Katie should not have [extended] her contract. She took a big raise and then tried to get off the show. Then her movie career did not take off.”