Ellen Pompeo supported by husband, kids at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony

"It takes a village," she said.

Ellen Pompeo supported by husband, kids at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
April 30, 2025, 10:41 AM

Ellen Pompeo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week.

The "Grey's Anatomy" and "Good American Family" actress was honored during a ceremony on Tuesday and said it had "taken me a long time to get my star on the Walk of Fame, but the truth is, I have been surrounded by stars my entire career."

"This doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen easily," she continued. "It takes a village. I have been so lucky to be surrounded by a lot of stars who do their thing everyday and who do it brilliantly in this town."

Ellen Pompeo speaks onstage during the ceremony honoring her with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, April 29, 2025, in Hollywood.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

She thanked her team, as well as all the "brilliant women" who have surrounded her throughout her career, including "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes and Disney president Dana Walden.

Pompeo was also supported at the ceremony by her husband, Chris Ivery, and two of their three children, daughter Stella and son Eli.

Stella Luna Ivery, Ellen Pompeo, Eli Christopher Ivery, and Chris Ivery pose during a ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, April 29, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Pompeo is known for her portrayal of Dr. Meredith Grey on "Grey's Anatomy," in which she's starred in for 20 years. Over the years, Pompeo has served as an executive producer for the show. She also is a co-executive producer on "Station 19," which is a spinoff of "Grey's Anatomy."

Ellen Pompeo attends the ceremony honoring her with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, April 29, 2025, in Hollywood.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In 2007, Pompeo's performance as Meredith earned her a Golden Globe nomination for best performance by a female actress in a television series - drama.

She recently starred in the Hulu limited series "Good American Family."

During Tuesday's Walk of Fame ceremony, Pompeo was celebrated by Rhimes and Debbie Allen, who plays Dr. Catherine Fox on "Grey's Anatomy" and also serves as an executive producer and director.

Debbie Allen, Ellen Pompeo and Shonda Rhimes attend the ceremony honoring Ellen Pompeo with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, April 29, 2025, in Hollywood.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Speaking during the ceremony, Rhimes recalled a lunch she had with Pompeo not long after Pompeo was cast in "Grey's Anatomy." Rhimes said she remembered going home after their meeting, where she wrote about Pompeo in her journal, "This girl is a spitfire. She will lay you out with the truth, up, down and sideways."

"I was absolutely thrilled and a little bit terrified," she added. "Because it's rare to meet somebody like her. Very few people are who they present themselves to be. But Ellen is exactly who she says she is."

Rhimes then turned to Pompeo and said, "You're one of a kind."

PHOTO: Actress/Producer Ellen Pompeo Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: (L-R) Ellen Pompeo and Shonda Rhimes attend the ceremony honoring Ellen Pompeo with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

She went on to say that Pompeo "is Meredith Grey" because "she is so good at playing her role."

In a separate speech, Allen said of Pompeo, "I don't know anyone who comes to the set and makes sure everyone has what they need and orders vegan food, even though they want meat."

Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery attend the ceremony honoring Ellen Pompeo with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, April 29, 2025, in Hollywood.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

"She always has ideas about her character," she continued. "She comes from a place of real truth."

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