Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Kathleen Pompeo (/pʌmˈpɛoʊ/, born November 10, 1969) is an American actress. She rose to fame for her portrayal of Dr. Meredith Grey in the long-running hit ABC medical drama series Grey's Anatomy (2005–present). The role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama nomination in 2007 including many more accolades. She has also appeared in the films Moonlight Mile (2002), Old School (2003), and Daredevil (2003).

Early life

Ellen Pompeo was born in Everett, Massachusetts, the daughter of Kathleen B. (née O'Keefe) and Joseph E. Pompeo, a surgeon. Her father was of Italian, English, and Irish descent, while her mother was of Irish ancestry. She was raised Roman Catholic. Her mother died of a painkiller overdose when Ellen was five, and her father remarried soon after; he died on September 1, 2012. She has five siblings: three sisters and two brothers. She was nicknamed the pencil, and stracciatella (an ice cream flavor).

Career

1995–2004