Biography for
Ellen Pompeo More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

10 November 1969, Everett, Massachusetts, USA

Birth Name

Ellen Kathleen Pompeo

Nickname

The Pencil

Height

5' 7" (1.70 m)

Mini Biography

Ellen Pompeo made her major studio screen debut in Brad Silberling's Moonlight Mile (2002), starring alongside Susan Sarandon, Dustin Hoffman and Jake Gyllenhaal. She received outstanding reviews for her portrayal of an outspoken young woman carrying a silent burden that's breaking her heart.

A native of Boston, Pompeo starred opposite Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell in the wildly successful Old School (2003) and, before that, in Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can (2002), opposite Leonardo DiCaprio.

Prior to Moonlight Mile (2002), Pompeo starred in several independent features, including In the Weeds (2000) and Coming Soon (1999), and she can also be seen in Life of the Party (2005).

IMDb Mini Biography By: Mia

Spouse

Chris Ivery

(9 November 2007 - present)

Trivia

Is a native of Boston.

Had another scene in Daredevil (2003) as Matt Murdock's (Ben Affleck) secretary Karen Page, but it was deleted from the theatrical version of the film.

Before "Grey's Anatomy" (2005), she auditioned for a television pilot called "Secret Service". That show was not picked up by any television network.

She is the youngest of 6 - she has 5 siblings who are all at least 8 years older than her. One of them is Maureen Pompeo.

Suffers from asthma.

Her mother died when she was only 4 years old. Her father is Joseph Pompeo, a salesman.

Engaged to music producer Chris Ivery [November 13, 2006]. After they started dating three years ago, they learned that they both grew up in Boston, 10 miles from each other.

Had a part in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), which was deleted from the final cut.

Was approached to play the role of Becky in Clerks II (2006), but turned it down because she had just finished the pilot for "Grey's Anatomy" (2005).

Wed fiancé Chris Ivery in a civil ceremony in New York City on November 9, 2007. The only people in attendance were Mayor Michael Bloomberg and First Deputy Mayor Patti Harris, who served as witnesses to the ceremony.

Ellen and her husband, Chris Ivery are expecting their first child [April 20, 2009].

Personal Quotes

"It was the best thing that happened to me all week - to say the very least...I was so flattered. I thanked him and told him how much I hoped we would have a chance to work together one day." - talking about when she was complimented by actor Jake Gyllenhaal shortly after arriving in Hollywood. Just three weeks later, she was working with him on Moonlight Mile (2002)!!

On her character Meredith Grey - 'She's smart enough to make her way through medical school but she can't figure out that she can't sleep with strangers all the time.'

Where Are They Now

(March 2005) Working on the television series "Grey's Anatomy" (2005) in which she plays the main character.

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