A long-time Grey's Anatomy season 19, and has explored other projects, recently starring on the Hulu drama Good American Family.

Per EW, Debbie Allen, who has played Dr. Catherine Fox on the Grey's Anatomy since 2011, took light-hearted aim at her co-star with a playful dig. She ribbed Pompeo for starring in the Good American Family on Hulu, her first leading role outside Grey's Anatomy in 20 years. Joking about the show allowing Pompeo to leave and do something else, she urged her co-star to "bring your butt back home." Check out Allen's tongue-in-cheek comments below:

"We let her out to go do that other show. Okay, Ms. Thing. Are you okay now? You did that. Now bring your butt back home."

What This Means For Pompeo's Grey's Anatomy Legacy

She's An Actress Who Can Play Many Parts, But Grey's Will Forever Be A Part Of Her Life

Starring on an iconic TV show is a dream, but to be the lead in a show as iconic as Grey's Anatomy, for as long as Pompeo has, will forever tie her to that show and to the character of Meredith Grey. Allen's comments, though meant in a lighthearted way, show that Pompeo is so associated with Grey's Anatomy that it is sometimes difficult to imagine her in any other role. While Meredith Grey might be a less prominent Grey's Anatomy character these days, she remains the lead of the show, and has cemented Pompeo's status as a cultural icon.

How much longer she will continue to be involved in Grey's Anatomy is unclear, but there is no doubt that her impact on helping to make Grey's Anatomy the pop culture behemoth it has become should not be underestimated.

It also cements the fact that Grey's Anatomy needs Meredith Grey, in some capacity. The show simply wouldn't feel the same without her, and, as Allen's comments indicate, the show feels like home for Pompeo, and vice versa. How much longer she will continue to be involved in Grey's Anatomy is unclear, but there is no doubt that her impact on helping to make Grey's Anatomy the pop culture behemoth it has become should not be underestimated.

Our Take On Pompeo Leaving The Comfort Of Grey Sloan Memorial

The Actress Seems To Be Looking To Take Her Career In A Fresh Direction

The fact that the actress is now branching out to try other roles suggests she feels like she wants to expand her career. The days of worrying about being pigeonholed are long gone, given Pompeo's 20-year stint on the ABC medical drama. However, the fact she is actively pursuing other roles could signal that her time on Grey's Anatomy is winding down, and even that newly renewed Grey's Anatomy season 22 could be the final season of the show. As an actress, it is natural for her to want to explore other opportunities now that her Grey's Anatomy legacy is confirmed.

Source: EW