Ellen Pompeo reveals husband Chris Ivery 'really never watched' Grey's Anatomy; says, “It was better for him'

Ellen Pompeo, renowned for her nearly two-decade portrayal of Dr. Meredith Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy,” recently disclosed that her husband, Chris Ivery, has seldom watched the iconic medical drama. During her appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Pompeo shared that Ivery’s choice to abstain from viewing the show helped maintain a clear boundary between her professional and personal life.
Pompeo and Ivery’s relationship predates the inception of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Reflecting on the unexpected trajectory of her career, she remarked, “I was with him before Grey’s, so Grey’s kinda came out of nowhere for us, and I just think we were on this crazy ride that we were just trying to hang on for dear life.”
The couple, who married in 2007, have consistently prioritized keeping their personal lives private. They have three children together: Stella Luna, Sienna May, and Eli Christopher. Pompeo has been candid about her protective approach to her children’s exposure to her work. She revealed that while her eldest daughter, Stella, has watched “Grey’s Anatomy,” she feels that her younger daughter, Sienna, is not yet ready to view the series, especially considering certain scenes where Pompeo appears in her underwear.
Beyond their personal dynamics, Pompeo and Ivery have faced external challenges, particularly from media scrutiny and societal biases. Pompeo expressed her concerns about the media’s treatment of Ivery, highlighting that he was subjected to undue criticism and bias, possibly due to their interracial relationship. She noted that the media’s harsh portrayal of Ivery was unwarranted and that societal prejudices may have played a role in the negative attention they received.
Despite these challenges, Pompeo emphasizes that their shared backgrounds and experiences have fortified their bond. Both hailing from rough neighborhoods, they found common ground in their upbringings, which has been a cornerstone of their enduring relationship.
Pompeo’s reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of balancing a high-profile career with personal relationships, underscoring the importance of mutual understanding and support.