Ellen Pompeo Fights for Pay Equity on Grey’s Anatomy
Here’s a novel thought: a woman fighting for equal pay in Hollywood, and shocker—she’s actually the star of the show! Ellen Pompeo, the face of Grey’s Anatomy, has opened up about her struggle for pay equity against her former co-star Patrick Dempsey. Despite being the titular character for 21 seasons, she initially earned less than him, a situation that raises eyebrows and questions about industry standards. “I’m not saying he didn’t deserve that money,” she stated on the March 18 episode of *Call Her Daddy*, acknowledging Dempsey’s previous successes. However, she voiced her frustration at the disparity, especially since she was the one carrying the show’s name.
What’s even more mind-boggling is how the pay gap persisted since the show’s inception in 2005, with Dempsey’s 13 pilot attempts boosting his quote while Pompeo had just one pilot under her belt. “Only a man can have 13 failed TV pilots and their quote still keeps going up,” she poignantly pointed out. Her journey to fair pay culminated in a substantial deal in 2017, securing her $20 million per season starting with the show’s 14th season. But before making her move, she sought the support of Shonda Rhimes, the show creator, to ensure her request was respectful and well-founded. Rhimes’ response? “No one’s gonna give it to you; you have to ask for it.”
Pompeo’s experience is not just a personal triumph; she now views it as a platform to advocate for other women in the industry. She emphasizes the responsibility that comes with her position, encouraging others to examine pay equity within their workplaces. “You can’t just be OK with that,” she insists, underscoring the importance of solidarity among women in navigating an often-unfair industry landscape.
In a world where female leads frequently face pay disparities, Pompeo’s story is a stark reminder of how far we still have to go. Here’s hoping that her advocacy sparks a broader movement for change in Hollywood, rather than just another season of dramatic plot twists.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Call Her Daddy podcast
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