Ellen Kathleen Pompeo is an American actress and producer. As one of the highest paid actors in the world since 2017, she has appeared on Forbes' year-end list several times. Her awards include the Screen Actors Association Award and the Golden Globe Award nomination. Born in Everett, Massachusetts, Pompeo moved to Miami and then New York, where a casting director discovered her and signed her on to an advertising campaign for L'Oréal. She made her screen debut with NBC's legal drama Law & Order, then made an appearance on other TV shows including the comedy Strangers with Candy, the medical drama Strong Medicine, and the film sitcom Friends. . She made her 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 to no initial success. A turning point in her career came in 2002, when she was widely known for her lead role in Brad Silberling's Moonlight Mile television series.

Actress best recognized for her portrayal of Dr. Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy. In 2007, she won an Emmy for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series for her performance.