Ellen Pompeo's Candid Discussion on Pay Equity

In a candid appearance on the podcast 'Call Her Daddy,' Ellen Pompeo opened up about the challenges she faced in advocating for pay equity during her time on 'Grey's Anatomy.' Reflecting on the early days of the show, Pompeo shared how the landscape of television has evolved, highlighting the stark contrasts in how salaries were negotiated between male and female leads.

The Background of Pay Disparity

Pompeo recalled that Patrick Dempsey, her co-star and on-screen love interest, had built a more substantial portfolio before joining the series. 'To be completely fair, the television game was so different then. He had done 13 pilots before me,' she mentioned to host Alex Cooper. While acknowledging Dempsey's talent and previous successes, she pointed out a systemic issue: 'Nothing personal to him, just in general, only a man can have 13 failed TV pilots and their quote keeps going up, right?'

Struggles for Equal Pay

Despite her efforts to advocate for herself, Pompeo admitted that securing a paycheck commensurate with her pivotal role proved to be an uphill battle. 'He was a bigger star than I was at that point. No one knew who I was. Everybody knew who he was, so he did deserve that money,' she clarified. However, Pompeo emphasized, 'being that I was the namesake of the show, I deserved the same and that was harder to get.'

Shifting Dynamics in Salaries

As 'Grey's Anatomy' became a cultural phenomenon, fans began to recognize Pompeo's crucial role in its success, allowing her to negotiate better pay in later seasons. Interestingly, while Dempsey appeared in many popular films, including his memorable performance as Detective Kincaid in 'Scream 3,' Pompeo also had her share of notable roles prior to 'Grey's.' She starred as the quirky girlfriend in 'Old School,' but it was her role as Meredith Grey that truly cemented her place in television history.

A Broader Issue of Gender Pay Disparity

The conversation sheds light on the broader issue of gender pay disparity in Hollywood, where female actors often have to fight harder for equal recognition and compensation. Ellen Pompeo's candid reflections on her experience are not just hers alone; they resonate with many women in the entertainment industry, shining a spotlight on the ongoing struggle for pay equity that persists today.