Ellen Pompeo’s Daughter Stops Watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ After Heart-Wrenching Scene
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Ellen Pompeo, renowned for her role as Meredith Grey in the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ recently shared a touching story about how one particular scene in the series led her daughter to stop watching the show. The actress, 55, appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Wednesday, April 2, and shed light on her family’s relationship with the hit TV series.
During the interview, Pompeo revealed that her husband of 18 years, Chris Ivery, has never watched the show. Interestingly, her 15-year-old daughter, Stella, used to be a dedicated fan of the series. The actress recounted how Stella, at the age of 10 or 11, started showing interest in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ after her classmates began watching it. However, their viewing journey came to a halt after a particular scene left Stella deeply affected.
Pompeo narrated how they watched “a few seasons” together until they reached a pivotal moment that proved to be too heartbreaking for Stella to continue. The scene in question involved the emotional death of T.R. Knight’s character, George O’Malley, who revealed his identity to Meredith Grey by writing ‘007’ on her palm. This poignant moment was a turning point for Stella, prompting her to make the difficult decision to stop watching the show.
In a previous interview with PEOPLE in February, Pompeo shared that both she and Stella were moved to tears by the episode featuring George’s departure. The actress expressed how challenging it was for her to film the emotional scenes while trying to maintain her composure. This anecdote showcases the powerful impact that ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ has had on both viewers and those involved in its creation.
Reflecting on her parenting experience, Pompeo mentioned that her 10-year-old daughter, Sienna, has recently shown an interest in the show as well. Despite this, the actress acknowledged that some content in the series may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Pompeo candidly admitted that she faces awkward questions from her children about certain risqué scenes due to her involvement in the show.
The show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, recently shared insights into the iconic moment of George O’Malley’s departure in the season 5 finale. Rhimes revealed that the revelation of George’s character was kept a secret even from some members of the cast and crew, creating a genuine element of surprise for viewers. This behind-the-scenes revelation offers a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution that goes into creating compelling storytelling on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’
As the series continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storylines and emotional depth, Ellen Pompeo’s personal anecdotes provide a heartfelt glimpse into the impact of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ beyond the screen. With its enduring legacy and devoted fan base, the show remains a poignant reminder of the enduring power of storytelling in the world of television entertainment.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, offering viewers a compelling mix of drama, romance, and poignant moments that continue to resonate with fans around the world. Ellen Pompeo’s candid reflections on her daughter’s reaction to the show’s emotional scenes underscore the lasting impact of the series on both viewers and those involved in its creation.