Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo's career is defined by her historic run on Grey's Anatomy, where she became one of the highest-paid actresses in television history. Her 2017 contract, worth over $20 million annually, set a new standard for TV drama leads. She has been consistently recognized on Forbes lists of highest-paid TV actresses, ranking as high as number three in 2018. Her SAG Award win and Golden Globe nomination reflect the critical acclaim for her portrayal of Meredith Grey, a character that has become a cultural touchstone.