Ellen Pompeo Receives Glowing Accolades as She Accepts Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Ellen Pompeo was honored on April 29 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She arrived with her husband, Chris Ivery, and their children.

Steve Nissen acted as the emcee and said as he introduced Pompeo,” [She’s] one of the most successful actresses in the history of television … best known for Meredith Grey.”

The first speaker was “Grey’s Anatomy” writer and producer, Shonda Rhimes, who recalled meeting Pompeo for the first time and thinking she was a “spitfire.”

“I was absolutely thrilled and a little bit terrified. Because it’s rare to meet somebody like her. Very few people actually are who they present themselves to be, but Ellen is actually who she says she is,”

Rhimes praised Pompeo for her work on “Grey’s Anatomy” and likened her to Grey. “In her hands, Meredith embodies this kind of flawed, good, broken, brilliant person we all recognize in ourselves.”

“So, for season after season, fans around the world have adored Meredith. They’ve spent Thursday nights with Meredith; they wept, laughed, and loved with Meredith,” the producer said.

She continued, “And that means Meredith Grey is who the world sees when they see Ellen’s face. And Ellen wears Meredith Grey quite well. But for all the Meredith you see, for those of us who have the honor of knowing her, the person we see is Ellen, and that is the most important role she can play. She’s at her best when she’s simply herself.”

“She’s fierce and funny, and thoughtful and caring…. she has earned this star,” Rhimes said. She also made sure to point out that Pompeo is currently the lead of the longest-running medical drama on television and the highest-paid actress.

“I’m grateful every day for the magic you bring to ‘Grey’s Anatomy,'” Rhimes told Pompeo.

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Debbie Allen Calls Pompeo a ‘Great Star’

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The next up to speak was Debbie Allen, who has played Dr. Catherine Fox on “Grey’s Anatomy” since season 8.

“We are here because we love you so much. We love you beyond expression. Number one on the call sheet is a big responsibility, and you take that responsibility so seriously,” Allen told Pompeo.

The dancer said amid laughter from the audience, “I don’t know anybody else that comes to the set and makes sure everybody has what they need, and orders vegan food even though they want meat.”

On a more serious note, Allen said, “Her star is also her humanity. As a mother, as a community leader, as a friend, always giving back, making time, [and] taking care of us.”

“You are a great star, Ellen Pompeo, because you have light. People follow you. Millions of young girls around the world have gone to college and become involved, invested in the medical profession because of you,” Allen continued.

“‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is strong because of you. We are strong because of you. I am standing here because of you, and certainly Shonda Rhimes. We love you. Congratulations, my dear friend,” she concluded.

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Ellen Pompeo’s Star is Unveiled For the First Time

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Pompeo began her speech by thanking the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for her newly appointed star.

“So it’s taken a long time for me to get my star on the Walk of Fame, but the truth is, I have been surrounded by stars my entire career. This doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen easily. It takes a village,” she said.

The “Good American Family” star continued, “This is a million miles from where I ever thought I would be. And I’ve learned how to be here, how to stand here, how to enjoy all of this because of the people in my life, because they’ve taught me so much.”

“Shonda allowed me to have a career, and get paid, and be a mother. I don’t know many other actresses in this town who have had the privilege of being surrounded by brilliant women,” Pompeo said.

“I love you all so much. I’m grateful for all of you,” she told the audience. After her speech, the star was unveiled to Pompeo, with Rhimes and Allen by her side.