Ellen Pompeo Then Vs. Now: Photos From Her Young Days to Now – Hollywood Life

Ellen Pompeo Then & Now: Photos of the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Through the Years

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November 9, 2023 11:44AM EST
Ellen Pompeo
AFF-USA/Shutterstock

Happy birthday Ellen Pompeo! See how the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star has transformed since her start.

Ellen Pompeo, the queen of primetime medical dramas, has been gracing our screens as Meredith Grey for over 15 years. Under Shonda Rhimes’ vision, the Grey’s Anatomy star has captured the hearts of viewers as she went from surgical intern all the way to Chief of General Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

After 19 seasons on the hit, Ellen announced she was hanging up her scrubs in Dec. 2022. Her final episode aired Feb. 23, 2023, offering Meredith a send-off to remember.

The stunning actress has seen so many red carpets, it’s no wonder she’s an outfit ace. Ready for a look back on Ellen’s evolution throughout the years? Scroll through the gallery to see the star transform from the early aughts to the superstar she is today.

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Ellen Pompeo & Patrick Dempsey at the 2005 Emmy Awards

Ellen Pompeo & Patrick Dempsey at the 2005 Emmy Awards
RAMEY PHOTO / Mega Agency

Television’s favorite couple posed at the 2005 Emmy Awards! Ellen Pompeo and her on-screen love interest, McDreamy… we mean, Patrick Dempsey… got close on the red carpet.

Off-screen, there was said to be tension between the castmates. Patrick left the show in 2015, only to return in the 2020 season.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at the 2006 Emmy Awards

Ellen Pompeo at the 2006 Emmy Awards
©2006 RAMEY PHOTO / Mega Agency

Ellen Pompeo was a vision of elegance in this mermaid gown at the 2006 Emmy Awards. The lace trim and purple suede is such a beautiful combination!

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at the 2007 ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ Premiere

Ellen Pompeo at the 2007 ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ Premiere
©2007 RAMEY PHOTO 310-828-3445/

Ellen Pompeo flashed a soft smile at the 2007 premiere of The Bourne Ultimatum in Los Angeles. The actress showed off highlighted brunette layers.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at an Emmy Party in 2007

Ellen Pompeo at an Emmy Party in 2007
©2007 RAMEY PHOTO / Mega Agency

Ellen Pompeo attended Los Angeles Confidential Magazine’s Emmy Awards party at One Sunset in West Hollywood on Sept. 11, 2007. The Grey’s Anatomy star looks gorgeous with bombshell brunette curls.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo & Husband Chris Ivery at a 2009 NBA Game

Ellen Pompeo & Husband Chris Ivery at a 2009 NBA Game
GAMEPIKS / Mega Agency

Ellen Pompeo laughed as she sat courtside with her husband, Chris Ivery at the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets NBA Western Conference finals at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on May 27, 2009. The duo has 3 kids.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo Sports a Baby Bump in 2009

Ellen Pompeo Sports a Baby Bump in 2009
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Ellen Pompeo, baby bump in tow, and husband Chris Ivery left their house together in 2009. Later that year, Ellen went on to give birth to their first child, a daughter named Stella.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo & Family Stroll in 2011

Ellen Pompeo & Family Stroll in 2011
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Ellen Pompeo took a family stroll with her husband, Chris Ivery, and their daughter Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery around the SoHo neighborhood of New York in 2011. Chris wears a Louis Vuitton hoodie for the walk, while Ellen opts for a salmon blazer.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo Leaves The Hair Salon in 2011

Ellen Pompeo Leaves The Hair Salon in 2011
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Coffee cup in hand, Ellen Pompeo exited the hair salon with perfectly tousled blonde waves in 2011. She was pictured in the trendy Los Angeles neighborhood of West Hollywood.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at 2017 PaleyFest

Ellen Pompeo at 2017 PaleyFest
MEGA

Ellen Pompeo attended 2017 PaleyFest with her Grey’s Anatomy co-stars in Hollywood. She looked lovely in a blue floral lace blouse and trousers in a matching color. 

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Ellen Pompeo at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Leon Brezer / MEGA

Ellen Pompeo dazzled in this golden jacquard jumpsuit from the Azzaro Spring 2018 Couture collection. She paired the outfit with Christian Louboutin pumps for the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at the 2018 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Ellen Pompeo at the 2018 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Ellen Pompeo was cool in this red snakeskin print dress during the 9th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades, CA on Oct. 6, 2018. White sneakers and a top-knot made the look casual and cool.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo Steps Out in LA in 2019

Ellen Pompeo Steps Out in LA in 2019
BG002/Bauergriffin.com / MEGA

Ellen Pompeo wore a chic ensemble for a Los Angeles outing on Dec. 6, 2019. Her hair was a sandy blonde and she wore a sheer black long-sleeve top with neutral trousers and platform loafers.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo & T. R. Knight Grab Lunch

Ellen Pompeo & T. R. Knight Grab Lunch
BG005/Bauergriffin.com / MEGA

Ellen Pompeo grabbed lunch with her Grey’s Anatomy cos-star, T. R. Knight, who plays Dr. George O’Malley on the medical drama, in Mar. of 2020. The co-stars were seen in Los Angeles, right before the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.

August 24, 2020, 6:59PM
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Ellen Pompeo at the 2021 Emmys

Ellen Pompeo at the 2021 Emmys
Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP/Shutte

Ellen Pompeo looked fierce in a black velvet jumpsuit during the 73rd Emmy Awards on Sep. 19, 2021. Her look had delicate rhinestone details which matched her hoop earrings. She slicked her hair back and went with a dewy makeup look.

November 9, 2022, 2:38PM
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Ellen Pompeo in 2021

Ellen Pompeo in 2021
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency

Ellen Pompeop hit the top for Brian Bowen Smith’s Drivebys Book Launch on Oct. 21, 2021. Her trench coat look was so classic.

February 23, 2023, 11:00AM
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Ellen Pompeo in 2022

Ellen Pompeo in 2022
Arlene Richie/Shutterstock

Ellen Pompeo dazzled during the grand opening of Martha Stewart’s restaurant, The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Paris Las Vegas on Aug. 12, 2022. She wore a rhinestone crop top with matching trousers and had her hair in glam curls.

November 9, 2022, 2:38PM
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Ellen Pompeo at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards

Ellen Pompeo at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards
OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Ellen Pompeo stunned in stripes during the 2022 People’s Choice Awards on December 6. Her sparkling red, purple, blue and silver jumpsuit was just divine.

February 23, 2023, 11:00AM
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