Ellen Pompeo Says 'Grey's Anatomy' Is 'Doing Very Well' Without Patrick Dempsey
The actress said the series is "doing very well."
— -- Ellen Pompeo, star of "Grey's Anatomy," said the hit ABC medical drama is "doing very well" even after the sudden departure of Patrick Dempsey.
Dempsey, 50, portrayed beloved brain surgeon and Pompeo's on-screen husband for 11 years, Dr. Derek Shepherd. He was written off of the series last year, succumbing to injuries after a car crash.
Ellen DeGeneres on her daytime television show today remarked that "everybody thought because Patrick was leaving that [the show] wouldn't do well, but it's doing very well."
That's when guest Pompeo quipped, "Yeah, it's amazing how much you get done without a penis."
Getting serious, she added: "We miss him dearly, but yeah, the show is doing very well."
Pompeo, 46, who portrays Dr. Meredith Grey on the series that centers on a hospital in Seattle, also gave her take on why people continue to tune in after 12 seasons.
"I think a lot of people were really upset about his departure, which is super understandable, but I think the change is part of the reason why the show goes on so long," she explained. "I think people tune in to see what does the show look like now? What is Meredith going to do without Derek? I think they get so upset about the change, but change is precisely what everyone always needs to sort of get to the next place."
Still, the actress admitted on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that his abrupt exit last year hasn't been easy on her on set.
"For me too, it's how do I act without him? It's more challenging for me," she revealed. "I'm more invested. I have to work harder to find my groove without that missing part. So it keeps me more engaged."
"I'm more engaged this season that I have been in a long time because for the fans I want to make sure the quality stays still good. They're there for us. I want to be there for them," Pompeo added.
Pompeo also slammed rumors that the show, which airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, was ending after season 12.
"No, it's not the last season," she said.