Ellen Pompeo began playing Meredith Gray on Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. While the actress has appeared in several films before starring in the television drama, it was Grey’s Anatomy that made her a household name.
As the lead on the show, Ellen Pompeo used to receive $ 300,000 per episode or about $ 7.5 million annually for seasons 11 and 12 of Grey’s Anatomy, Celebrity Net Worth reported. However, the pay gap between male and female actresses was still wide at the time, and she used it to take advantage of a higher salary.
Pompeo’s salary increased to $ 350,000 per episode for seasons 13 and 14, but this did not yet include the additional payment for royalties and backend capital. In 2017, he negotiated better conditions and he got it, but now for 2020, he again broke his pay gap.
Pompeo was able to increase his salary to $ 550,000 per episode and earn syndication earnings, which could amount to $ 6 million to $ 7 million annually., Forbes reported. With Grey’s Anatomy’s worldwide fame, his real net salary could still rise because the new deal includes future spin-offs and reruns.
When asked why she decided to stay with the program instead of moving on to other projects, the 51-year-old explained that she prioritized stability over her career. Being the star of a show for 15 seasons means dedication and a steady salary, and with more than $ 20 million in earnings a year, Pompeo is more than satisfied.
Forbes rated her 8th on the list of the highest-paid actresses for 2020. The others ahead of her were Sofia Vergara, Angelina Jolie, Gal Gadot, Melissa McCarthy, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Nicole Kidman. Elisabeth Moss and Viola Davis rounded out the top 10.
Aside from Grey’s Anatomy, the Everett, Massachusetts native has also starred in the films Moonlight Mile, Catch Me If You Can, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Daredevil. He has also appeared on other television shows such as Law & Order and even modeled for Citibank and L’Oreal before becoming a household name.
Ellen Pompeo’s performance on Grey’s Anatomy has earned her a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in 2007 and she has also won several People’s Choice Awards over the years.
