Throughout 19 seasons, Grey’s Anatomy was led by Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey, but that wasn’t Pompeo’s only role in the series, as she also directed two episodes. Since its first episode, Grey’s Anatomy has been narrated and led by Meredith Grey, with her romances and personal and professional struggles being at the front and center of the series. Now, after 19 seasons, Pompeo is leaving Grey’s Anatomy (as a series regular), though she will continue to do voiceover at the beginning and end of each episode, but Pompeo’s legacy in Grey’s Anatomy goes beyond playing the series’ main character.
In addition to playing one of the most memorable characters in medical dramas and TV in general, and becoming the highest-paid actress in a TV drama series at some point, Pompeo was promoted to the rank of producer of Grey’s Anatomy in 2018, following the renewal of her contract, and was also listed as co-producer for the spinoff Station 19. Pompeo’s behind-the-scenes work in Grey’s Anatomy doesn’t stop there, as she also directed two episodes, which in typical Grey’s Anatomy fashion, were very emotional.
Grey’s Anatomy’s Episodes Directed By Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo made her directorial debut in Grey’s Anatomy, with season 13’s episode “Be Still, My Soul”. The episode centers on Maggie’s (Kelly McCreary) mom as her health deteriorates after she’s found to have metastasis in her liver. The episode follows Maggie’s emotional journey as she sees her mother in pain and does her best to help her, but in the end, her mother es away. “Be Still, My Soul” also made Pompeo the third main cast member of Grey’s Anatomy to direct an episode, following the steps of Chandra Wilson (22 episodes) and Kevin McKidd (four episodes).
Pompeo returned to the director’s chair the following season, for the episode “Old Scars, Future Hearts”. In it, Meredith learns more about the history between her mother, Ellis Grey, and Marie Cerone (Rachel Ticotin), a close friend of Ellis. Marie and Ellis worked together on laparoscopic biliary reconstruction, which became known as the Ellis Grey Procedure, and was nominated for and won a Harper Avery Award, but Marie was left out of it, with Ellis taking all the credit and recognition. Meredith tried to negotiate with Marie so she could use her polymer, but they couldn’t reach an agreement as Meredith refused to undo Ellis’ legacy without hearing her side. Meanwhile, Jo and Alex decided to get married, while Tom Koracick helped April acknowledge her crisis of faith.
Will Ellen Pompeo Direct More Grey’s Anatomy Episodes?
As mentioned above, Ellen Pompeo is leaving Grey’s Anatomy but will continue providing the voiceover for every episode, and while she doesn’t leave out a full return at some point, all this raises the question of whether she could return to direct an episode or not. The reason why Pompeo’s role in Grey’s Anatomy is being reduced is that she’s working on another project over at Hulu, but it could still be possible to have her back as a director even if Meredith isn’t included in the story. It’s still unknown when Grey’s Anatomy will end, but it would be heartwarming to have Ellen Pompeo back not only as Meredith Grey to close the series but also as the director of the series’ final episode.
