Ellen Pompeo, the face of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, will maintain that role for at least two more seasons. The actress inked a new two year deal with the series.
The Shonda Rhimes-created Grey’s Anatomy has not been officially renewed beyond its current 14th season but the series is still one of the highest rated dramas on network TV in the key 18-49 demo. It’s a no-brainer that it will indeed be renewed, especially with the veteran actress staying put.
The new deal gives Pompeo a producing credit on the show and it also adds her as a co-executive producer on the Untitled Grey’s Anatomy Spinoff that is set to premiere midseason on ABC. With all of this in play, it’s reported that Pompeo will earn $550,000 per episode which would make the highest paid actress on television.
Will season 15 & 16 be the series’ swan song? Not necessarily! Pompeo says that she takes it season by season at this point and with the show still being popular and creatively viable, there is no reason for Grey’s Anatomy shut off life support. Pompeo’s deal is especially significant in an era where women aren’t paid what they probably should be in the industry. This essentially makes Pompeo a $20 million woman, something a bit unheard of on network TV.
