Ellen Pompeo is lowering her screen time on Grey’s Anatomy after 18 seasons of scrubbing in. According to EW, the actress, 52, will appear in eight episodes of the forthcoming 19th season of the ABC medical drama. She will continue to function as an executive producer despite the fact that she will only appear on screen in a restricted capacity.
But don’t worry, Pompeo has a new project to keep her occupied (and on your TV screen). As numerous publications have reported, she will feature in a Hulu limited series about a couple who adopt an orphan they assume has a rare form of dwarfism but later suspect isn’t the 8-year-old she claims to be.
The Untitled Orphan Project is based on the true incident of Kristine and Michael Barnett, two Americans who reportedly abandoned their adopted Ukrainian daughter Natalia, saying she was an adult “sociopath.”
Pompeo, who is set to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year, is an executive producer on Katie Robbins’ eight-episode drama (The Affair). This is Pompeo’s first significant movie appearance since Grey’s Anatomy debuted in 2005.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 will include a new batch of interns, including Harry Shum Jr., Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, Midori Francis, and Adelaide Kane. However, it is unclear how the characters will be incorporated into the plot, considering the season 18 finale saw Grey Sloan lose its residency program.
Fans must wait a bit longer to find out: Season 19 will launch on October 6, and production on the next season will begin this week.
Dana Walden, chief of entertainment at Walt Disney Television, commended the show’s durability when it was renewed for season 19.
In a statement, she stated, “Grey’s Anatomy is a real phenomenon, enjoyed by people all around the world.” “Whether they watch it live on ABC, stream it on Hulu, or watch it abroad on Disney+ or Star+, fans can’t get enough of Shonda Rhimes’ amazing invention.” “We have immense trust in Shonda, Krista Vernoff, Ellen Pompeo, and the whole creative team to uncover fresh, untold storylines that will continue to focus on contemporary medicine, explore themes that impact our world, and touch profoundly with committed fans for years to come,” Walden added.
Pompeo and Hulu representatives did not immediately reply to calls for comment.