Ellen Pompeo had a full-circle moment this week as she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—joined by the people who matter most. The Grey’s Anatomy icon, 55, was all smiles on Tuesday, April 29, flanked by husband Chris Ivery and two of their three children, Stella, 15, and Eli, 8.
Pompeo radiated gratitude during her speech, giving a heartfelt shout-out to her kids: “This doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen easily. It takes a village. I love you Stella. I love you Eli.” She also acknowledged creator Shonda Rhimes for making space in her career for motherhood: “Shonda allowed me to have a career, and get paid and be a mother,” she said.
The milestone comes as Grey’s Anatomy celebrates its 20th anniversary. Pompeo has remained candid about how her role as Meredith Grey intersects with motherhood. While Stella watched a few seasons, her younger daughter Sienna, 10, has been held back—despite pressure from curious classmates.
“No judgment on other parents,” Pompeo joked. “But I don’t want my daughter to see me in my underwear on television just yet.”
With her family cheering her on, Pompeo’s latest honor reminds us she’s more than just Dr. Grey—she’s mom, wife, and legend.