During the time when the casting of Greys Anatomy was taking place, the performer wound up having another offer on the table.
Making a career on the small screen is doable, but not after a performer has gone through the mud to even get an opportunity for something decent. Acting is a tough business, but shows likeThe Office andFriends have taken relative unknowns and have turned them into stars. Because of this, most performers out there will do just about anything to secure a spot on an upcoming pilot.
Ellen Pompeo is a massive star these days thanks to starring onGreys Anatomybut had things gone another way, she wouldnt have even appeared on the show in the first place, forever altering the history of television.
Lets look back and see why Ellen Pompeo nearly passed onGreys Anatomy.
At this point in her career, it is almost impossible to imagine Ellen Pompeo playing another character other than Meredith Grey on the small screen, but there was once a point in time when she was doing anything and everything possible to land a role on a television series. During the time when the casting ofGreys Anatomy was taking place, the performer wound up having another offer on the table.
Landing one role is hard enough, but sometimes, a performer will have to confront the difficult decision of choosing between roles. Choose the right role, and youll be working for a decade while rolling in millions. Choose the wrong role, and your show will be quickly off the air and youll be right back to square one. Such is the life for a performer even lucky enough to be in this predicament.
According toCheatSheet, there was once a point in time when the actress was attached to a show calledSecret Service, which would have been drastically different fromGreys Anatomy. When speaking with TV Guide, Pompeo would reveal, I was offered the role of Meredith. I had done a movie for the studio called Moonlight Mile, so the studio was aware of me. Then I met Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman We sat down and talked about me possibly doing an arc on Alias.
Pompeo would continue, saying, That didnt happen. Bob and Alex wrote a show called Secret Service. I really wanted to do that and the studio really wanted me to do Greys [Anatomy] instead. I wanted to do the Secret Service pilot that didnt go, of course; me and my brilliant choices.
Related:What Happened To Katherine Heigls Acting Career After She Left Greys Anatomy?
Now that she had confronted the decision of choosing between two roles and had picked the wrong one, it is interesting to think what would have happened hadSecret Service actually taken off and who would have ultimately become Meredith Grey. Eventually, after things fell apart from the show she initially wanted to do, Pompeo would meet with Shonda Rhimes and figure out the right move in an instant.
She would tellTV Guide, I read Grey's and I went and met Shonda and I decided to come on and do this. It was just an invitation and I happily accepted."
And just like that, television history was made. Of course, there is simply no way of knowing what a television show will become in the early stages, but clearly, people behind the scenes saw the potential thatGreys Anatomy had. Even though ABC was swinging and missing on plenty of shows during that era, they were sitting on a gold mine withGreys.
Since the show debuted, it has been nothing short of one of the most remarkable achievements on the small screen. It has been on the air since 2005 and it has aired over 300 episodes, which is a feat accomplished by few programs in history. Pompeo has been laughing all the way to the bank ever since.
Related:Will Season 18 Of Greys Anatomy Happen?
DespiteGreys being the success that it is, the longer that it has gone on, the more people have wondered about how much longer the show has on the air.
While the show has done wonders for the performer, Pompeo has acknowledged that she wont be staying on the show forever and will eventually call it a day sooner rather than later, which is totally understandable.
When speaking withEntertainment Tonight, the performer would touch on this subject, saying, But certainly I think to dip out sooner rather than later, at this point, having done what we've done, to leave when the show is still on top, is definitely a goal. I'm not trying to stay on the show forever. No way. The truth is, if I get too aggravated and I'm no longer grateful there, I should not be there."
Related:Katherine Heigl Branded Bitter After She Slams Justin Chambers Exit From Greys
Secret Service was the show that almost robbed the world of theGreysthey know and love, but thankfully, things worked out for the better in the end.
Next:Which Original Greys Anatomy Star Has The Highest Net Worth?
Why Did Billy Joel Sue His Brother-In-Law For $90 Million?
Visit link:
Why Did Ellen Pompeo Almost Pass On 'Grey's Anatomy'? | TheThings - TheThings
- Anatomy Of A Bitcoin Bear Market: Expert Trader Reveals The Signals To Watch Out For | Bitcoinist.com - Bitcoinist.com - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Are Winston Ndugu and Jules Millin the Next Power Couple at Grey-Sloan? - TV Insider - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Taps Piper Perabo for Three-Episode Arc Whats Her Connection to Amelia? - TVLine - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- The anatomy of an NPR headline - VPM - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Anatomy of the system: Criminal case is finally (almost) over - nrtoday.com - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Season 21, Episode 15 Review: Im Glad The Characters Are Showing Off Their Silly Sides In The Shows Funniest Episode In A Long Time -... - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Jessie Buckley to Narrate Leah Hazards Novel The Anatomy of Us for Audible (EXCLUSIVE) - Variety - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo reveals why shell never leave Greys Anatomy for good: It doesnt make any sense - New York Post - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy season 21 episode 15: Where to watch free tonight - MassLive - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo says leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' would mean that others get to 'profit' off her hard work - Business Insider - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo on Why It Would Make No Sense to Walk Away From Greys Anatomy - Rolling Stone - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- In the Human Anatomy Lab, Experiential Learning Prepares Future Health Care Leaders - U of G News - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Window washers platform crashes into hospital: How to watch Greys Anatomy without cable - PennLive.com - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Riley Greene, Colt Keith and the anatomy of a slump - The Athletic - The New York Times - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo reveals she gets a little bit annoyed when Greys Anatomy fans call her Meredith - The Independent - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Revisiting the 20-Year History of the Music of Greys Anatomy - Shondaland - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Yellowstone Star Piper Perabo Joins the Cast of Greys Anatomy in Recurring Role - EntertainmentNow - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Seriously? Greys Anatomy Is Making Us Take Sides, and It Feels Like [Bleep] - TVLine - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeos honest reason for never leaving Greys Anatomy branded weird - The Independent - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- The body as a manifesto: Schiaparellis use of anatomy - HIGHXTAR. - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo reveals one frustration with Grey's Anatomy fans: "I do get a little bit annoyed" - Digital Spy - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- On Set: Greys Anatomy Stars Sharing Their Hidden Talents - Shondaland - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a Shot | The Gorge: Building the Blast - DNEG - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- The countries with longest anatomy measurements (7+ inches) and what this means for your health - Journe Mondiale - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 21 "Grey's Anatomy" Behind-The-Scenes Facts That'll Make You Watch The Show In A Whole New Way - BuzzFeed - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy of Exile by Zeeva Bukai reflects on the elusive nature of home - jweekly.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Sex toys and exploding cosmetics: Anatomy of a 'hybrid war' on the West - Reuters - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Doctor Odyssey Has Higher Ratings Than Grey's Anatomy, So Why Was It At The Risk Of Being Canceled When Shonda Rhimes' Show Was Already Renewed -... - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a housing proposal toppled by NIMBYs - The Portland Press Herald - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- The Anatomy of a New Distribution Branch - Roofing Contractor - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Returning for Season 22: Get the Scoop - TV Insider - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy: Has Owen Broken the Open Relationship Rules Already? - TV Insider - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21, Episode 13 Review: Im More Excited Than Ever For The Last 5 Episodes Thanks To A Few Storyline Advancements - Screen Rant - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy': Teddy Makes a Tearful Admission as She and Owen Navigate Their Open Marriage - People.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy, Shifting Gears Among Five ABC Renewals, Doctor Odyssey in Limbo - hollywoodreporter.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Effect of Virtual Reality Simulation on Anatomy Learning Outcomes: A Systematic Review - Cureus - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Renewed For Season 22 By ABC With Veteran Cast Poised To Return - Deadline - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy: Kim Raver Talks Teddy and Owen's Open Marriage - Us Weekly - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy: Sophia Bush Discusses Cass And Teddys Long-Awaited Tryst & Whether Theres More To Come Between Them - Deadline - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 9-1-1, Greys Anatomy, The Rookie, Shifting Gears, Will Trent Renewed at ABC - Variety - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 7 Times the Greys Anatomy Surgeons Did the Impossible - Shondaland - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Is Bound To Repeat A Controversial George Plot From 18 Years Ago (But With A Twist) - Screen Rant - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo Reveals The Exact Moment Her Daughter Stopped Watching 'Grey's Anatomy' - HuffPost - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy Of A Market Crisis: Tariffs, Markets And The Economy - Seeking Alpha - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Pulse Bosses on Danny and Xanders Messy Power Dynamic, Greys Anatomy Comparisons and Season 2 Plans - Variety - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Bare Anatomy parent Innovist raises Rs 136 crore from ICICI Venture, others - The Economic Times - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- T.R. Knight Was 'Scared' to Film Meredith and George's 'Humiliating' Grey's Anatomy Sex Scene (Exclusive) - People.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- "Thats My Home": Ellen Pompeo Reveals Whether She Has Plans To Exit 'Grey's Anatomy' for Good - Collider - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- TVs Current Medical Dramas, Ranked: Our Diagnoses for The Pitt, Watson, Doc Greys Anatomy and More - TVLine - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a Market Crisis: Tariffs, Markets and the Economy - Investing.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Who Will Save Greys Anatomy Now That Ellen Pompeo Is Gone? - The Daily Beast - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 19 Most Memorable (and Heart-Wrenching!) 'Grey's Anatomy' Episodes of All Time - PEOPLE - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 16 stars you forgot were on Grey's Anatomy before their big break (including future Oscar nominees) - Entertainment Weekly News - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- "I Cried When He Died": Shonda Rhimes Is Still Deeply Impacted By Killing One Grey's Anatomy Character - Screen Rant - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- See the Best Greys Anatomy Behind-the-Scenes Photos to Celebrate 20 Years of the Medical Drama - PEOPLE - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Katherine Heigl, Jeffrey Dean Morgan reunite to talk Grey's Anatomy , from Denny's death to ghost sex - Entertainment Weekly News - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Sandra Oh Is Changing Her Tune on a Potential Return to 'Grey's Anatomy' - PEOPLE - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- The Scrapped Grey's Anatomy Spin-Off Would Have Ruined The Show's Best Characters - SlashFilm - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a flood: The Derna tragedys lessons for Libyan governance - Brookings Institution - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 19 Years Later, Shonda Rhimes Still Isnt Over This Greys Anatomy Death (and Neither Are We) - Collider - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- The perfect palliative balm of Greys Anatomy - Financial Times - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 15 Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Didn't Know About Grey's Anatomy, 20 Years After It Premiered - MSN - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- I Have Zero Endings: Shonda Rhimes Has No Idea How (or When) Greys Anatomy Will End - Collider - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- My Only Allegiance Is to the Story: Shonda Rhimes Explains Why Shes Killed So Many Beloved Greys Anatomy Characters - Collider - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' star Ellen Pompeo says $20 million salary brings 'true independence': 'I don't have to do anything I don't want to do' - CNBC - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 'I love your song from "Grey's Anatomy"': How the ABC medical drama's soundtrack changed these artists' musical careers - Yahoo... - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Shonda Rhimes On The 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'Scandal' Spinoffs That Never Materialized: "We Thought About A Lot Of Things" - Deadline - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Shades of Gray in Twenty Years of Greys Anatomy - Books, Health and History - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Linda Lowy talks casting Shondaland, from Grey's Anatomy to the best audition she's ever seen - Entertainment Weekly News - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Shonda Rhimes is 'forever bitter' about having to fight for 'Grey's Anatomy' musical episode - Entertainment Weekly News - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy: Is It Finally Time for Owen & Teddy to Call it Quits? (POLL) - TV Insider - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- After 18 Years, Meredith Finally Proves Ellis' Most Hurtful Criticism Wrong In Grey's Anatomy Season 21 - Screen Rant - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Arte France Boards Movistar Plus+s The Anatomy of a Moment, From The Plagues Alberto Rodrguez - Variety - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Makes Me Just Go, Hmm: Christinas Potential Greys Anatomy Return Addressed By Sandra Oh, Who Admits Her Stance Has Softened After Years Of Hard No -... - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Shonda Rhimes Reveals "A Bunch" Of Never Made Grey's Anatomy Spinoffs, Including One Based On The Shepherd Family - Screen Rant - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a Massacre - by Theo Padnos - Persuasion - Persuasion | Yascha Mounk - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- We Thought About a Lot of Things: Shonda Rhimes Discusses Greys Anatomy Spin-Offs That Never Were - Collider - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Redefined the Medical Drama on TV - Collider - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy turns 20: How Katherine Heigl pulled off her Emmy upset and remains the only series regular to win - Gold Derby - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Why Shonda Rhimes Scrapped Spinoffs of Greys Anatomy and Scandal - TheWrap - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]