‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Ellen Pompeo Ready To Leave After 13 Seasons?

It’s hard to imagine Grey’s Anatomy without Ellen Pompeo.

However, reports indicate that the actress might be moving on after next season. Will Pompeo hang up her scrubs for good after Season 13?

Reports of Pompeo’s exit first surfaced after she revealed the real reason why she hasn’t left Grey’s Anatomy. According to Page Six, Pompeo only stayed on board because of her age.

“My decision to stay was based solely on age. If I’d been younger, I probably would have… gone out to search for other things,” the 46-year-old shared.

According to ABC News, Pompeo didn’t start acting until she was 33. Considering her late start, Pompeo knew that finding other roles would be difficult.

Fortunately, Pompeo clarified that she would not be leaving Grey’s Anatomy anytime soon. She also has zero regrets about portraying Meredith for so long.

“Why would I leave something that is super successful and pays me great?” she added. “I am very happy that I made the decision to stay. It’s only gotten better with time.”

Of course, playing on a show for 13 years has its downsides. International Business Times is reporting the biggest challenge for Pompeo is watching the aging process.

“To be honest, it’s the toughest part of my job,” she stated. “But as uncomfortable as watching myself age is, I don’t think focusing on physical beauty is necessarily the best thing for your mind. It’s a natural thing that we all do, but I don’t think it’s the healthiest thing. The older you get, the more you realize life isn’t about your looks. Everyone ages, and it’s okay.”

In addition to Pompeo’s time on Grey’s Anatomy, the actress works with women who struggle with aging. The campaign is called Philosophy, and its main slogan is “Act your age in all the right ways.”

“I was flattered to join the campaign because it speaks to stereotypes I feel strongly about,” Pompeo admitted. “As a woman, you’re not over or on the decline after having children or after 40. It all just gets better!”

For now, it sounds like Pompeo will remain a part of Grey’s Anatomy for the foreseeable future. That could change depending on where Shonda Rhimes takes her character, but fans can rest assured knowing that Meredith will be back in action next season.

Meanwhile, Pompeo and the rest of the cast of Grey’s Anatomy is gearing up for Season 13. In fact, Movie News Guide revealed that production for the new season has already begun.

Rhimes shared a picture on Twitter that featured several cast members reading for the new season. The clip includes Camilla Luddington, McCreary, and James Pickens Jr.

“And we are back at it for Season 13! #GreysAnatomy #Shondaland,” she captioned the photo.

At the same time, Luddington recently revealed that filming for the new season will start in 18 days.

“Oh hiatus.. You’ve been so fun,” she wrote alongside a beach photo on Instagram. “Pssst. 18 days..”

One of the biggest questions going into Season 13 centers on Meredith’s romance with Nathan Riggs (Martin Henderson), and how Maggie (Kelly McCreary) will react once she finds out about their relationship.

As fans will recall, Maggie told Meredith that she liked Riggs last season and planned on pursuing a relationship with him. However, fans were shocked to discover that Riggs and Meredith hooked up in the season finale.

The fallout between Meredith and Maggie is going to messy, and fans can only hope that they work things out before it’s too late.

The new season of Grey’s Anatomy is scheduled to premiere Sept. 22 on ABC.

Tell us! Would Grey’s Anatomy be the same without Ellen Pompeo? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via ABC]