Richard Cartwright/ABC(LOS ANGELES) — Back in July, Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo made headlines — and caused not a small amount of industry reflection — when she admitted to PeopleStyle that her decision to stay on the ABC drama, “was based solely on age.”
While other stars are eager — sometimes too eager — too jump from a hit show to launch a movie career, Pompeo recalled to the magazine that she was clear about why she’d stay on board as Dr. Meredith Grey. “At 33, I was wise enough to know my clock was already ticking in Hollywood,” she said.
Pompeo, now 46, just spoke with ABC News’ JuJu Chang about her decision. “Your ego is what would drive you to say, ‘Oh this isn’t cool, and I need to go and be a movie star, or do something else.’ But your ego is really your biggest enemy.”
The actress isn’t concerned with covering up every flaw in an industry that puts a premium on youth. “Well I think as an actor, flaws are a necessity,” Pompeo explains. “Nobody’s perfect. And I’m not, and I’m OK with that.”
“There’s something — the wisdom that you get,” as you age, the actress agreed with Chang. “Really all you have in your youth is your looks.”
“And so when the looks fade, what are you left with?” the journalist countered.
“Hopefully a fantastic character, and integrity, and a soul and compassion,” Pompeo said.
Pompeo will be seen scrubbing up again when Grey’s Anatomy returns for its 13th season on Thursday, September 22 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
