Ellen Pompeo admits her future on 'Grey's Anatomy' is undecided

"We're really trying to figure it out right now."

March 1, 2021, 1:59 PM

"Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo is flirting with a future without the long-running medical drama in her life.

This weekend, the 51-year-old actress appeared on "CBS Sunday Morning", where the conversation gravitated toward her starring role as Dr. Meredith Grey and her future with the series. The show's pilot aired on March 27, 2005, on ABC, which makes it television's longest-running prime-time medical drama.

It is currently unknown if the show will continue beyond its current 17th season.

When pressed for answers, Pompeo replied, "I can't say. Can't say."

"We honestly have not decided. We're really trying to figure it out right now," added Pompeo, who said the show has to end on a high note -- which is an extremely daunting task given its historic run. "To end a show this iconic, how do we do it? I just want to make sure we do this character and this show and the fans -- I want to make sure we do it right."

Pompeo, who is one of television's highest paid actors, also admitted that she's been kept in the dark about her character's fate. When asked if Meredith is alive or dead amid her battle with COVID-19, the actress attested, "We don't know."

Despite not knowing how her story ends on "Grey's Anatomy," Pompeo isn't sweating what happens after the show wraps for good.

"Well, I can do anything I want. Or not do anything at all," she said with a laugh.

"Grey's Anatomy" returns Thursday, March 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.