'Grey's Anatomy' Star Ellen Pompeo Once Opened up about Aging through Season 1 to 17

Just like many of us, “Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo has seen her character – and herself – age throughout the show’s seasons, and she’s not a fan.

Pompeo has been the main character in “Grey’s Anatomy” for 17 seasons, and during an interview with Dax Shepard, she admitted that watching herself age from 33 to 50 wasn’t fun.

According to the multi-awarded actress, the fact that she has been portraying the same character and wearing the same clothes for years makes her “really see” the difference.

POMPEO ON “GREY’S ANATOMY”

Apart from that, Pompeo told Shepard that she was not trying to be the “grapes dying on the vine” and that leaving while the show is still on the top was a goal. She said:

“I’m not trying to stay on the show forever. No way. If I get too aggravated and am no longer grateful there, I should not be there.”

Pompeo also admitted to feeling “blessed” that the executive producers of the show have done their best to make her life “so fantastic.”

Apart from having a set number of hours, knowing when she’d be back at her house, and being home for dinner with her children every night, her commute is only six minutes.

[“Grey’s Anatomy”] will remain on the air until Pompeo decides to walk away.

In a different interview, the actress admitted that her family is the main reason she has chosen to stay with “Grey’s Anatomy” for so long. Her age was also important.

According to Pompeo, the fact that she joined the cast when she was 33 played a role because had she done it in her mid-20s, she would’ve left following her six-year contract.

POMPEO’S DEAL IS EXPIRING

It is important to point out that Pompeo’s deal is set to expire after the current 17th season, which is why she once admitted that this “very well could be” the final season.

However, some of her co-stars – including Kevin McKidd, Camilla Luddington, and Kim Raver – have secured new contracts to stay through a potential Season 19.

Apart from that, ABC president Karey Burke has made it clear that the show will remain on the air until Pompeo decides to walk away.

Pompeo understands how important her character is, and she doesn’t take decisions lightly as the series employs plenty of people. Only time will tell how many more seasons we’ll have.