During Ellen Pompeo’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes shared a memorable story from when they first met nearly 20 years ago. Rhimes admitted she was a little intimidated by Pompeo after their initial lunch meeting—but also deeply impressed.
“I actually looked it up in my journal,” Rhimes said during her speech. “I wrote, ‘This girl is a spitfire—she’ll lay you out with the truth, up, down, and sideways.’ I was thrilled and a little terrified because it’s rare to meet someone so real.”
Rhimes praised Pompeo for being unapologetically authentic, saying, “Very few people are exactly who they appear to be. But Ellen is exactly who she says she is. She’s one of a kind.” 
Pompeo and Rhimes have worked together since 2005, when Grey’s Anatomy premiered on ABC. The show follows Pompeo’s character, Dr. Meredith Grey, a surgeon at the fictional Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. Now in its 21st season, it is the longest-running medical drama on television.
Although Rhimes created Meredith Grey, she says Pompeo truly embodies the character. “She’s fierce, funny, thoughtful, and caring. She’s a talented actress, a savvy businesswoman, a loyal friend, and a wonderful mom.”
Rhimes added that Pompeo isn’t afraid to speak her mind—even to powerful people. “Even if you’re the most powerful showrunner in TV, if you step out of line, Ellen will tell you about yourself,” she joked.
Rhimes concluded by saying, “Ellen lives and breathes the truth, and that has come to be my favorite thing about her.”
