Ellen Pompeo, the beloved star of Grey’s Anatomy, has built a life off-screen that’s just as compelling as her character’s dramatic twists. While Meredith Grey navigated love, loss, and medical miracles, Pompeo herself found a real-life love story that’s refreshingly down-to-earth. Her husband, Chris Ivery, isn’t a flashy Hollywood type but a music producer and marketing executive who won her over in the most unassuming way.
They met in 2003 at a grocery store in Los Angeles, a meet-cute that feels straight out of a rom-com. No red carpets, no paparazzi, just two people bumping into each other in the produce aisle. Their relationship grew from friendship into something deeper, and by 2007, they tied the knot in an intimate New York City ceremony with then-mayor Michael Bloomberg as their witness. No fuss, no extravagant guest list, just a quiet celebration of their commitment.
Inside Ellen Pompeo’s Relationship With Her Husband, Chris Ivery, and Their 3 Kids
What makes their marriage stand out in Hollywood’s whirlwind of short-lived romances is its steadiness. Pompeo has often credited Ivery for being her anchor, the calm to her storm. While she’s been the face of one of TV’s longest-running dramas, he’s been the behind-the-scenes rock, supporting her career while keeping their family life grounded.
In interviews, she’s joked about his endless patience, especially when it comes to her long hours on set. But it’s more than just tolerance; there’s a real partnership there. When Pompeo received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April 2025, her speech wasn’t just a thank-you to fans and colleagues. It was a love letter to Ivery, acknowledging how he’s held their world together while she chased her dreams.
Their family grew steadily over the years, with three kids who’ve inherited their parents’ charm and then some. The oldest, Stella Luna, arrived in 2009, and from the start, Pompeo made it clear that motherhood would reshape her priorities. Stella, now a teenager, has shown an early fascination with medicine, which isn’t surprising given how much time she’s spent on the Grey’s Anatomy set.
Pompeo has shared stories of Stella shadowing the show’s medical consultants, asking questions, and even getting a crash course in surgical procedures. But she’s not all scrubs and stethoscopes. Stella’s also developed a keen eye for fashion, making appearances at high-profile events like the Emmys and Dolce & Gabbana shows. There’s a funny anecdote about her stopping Grey’s Anatomy after George O’Malley’s heartbreaking death, a moment so traumatic that she decided she’d had enough of her mom’s show.
Sienna May, their second girl, came into the world in 2014 via surrogate, and her arrival brought a new dynamic to the family. Stella, used to being an only child, reportedly asked if the baby was “leaving” after a few months, a classic older sibling reaction. Sienna, now ten, has her own spark. She joined Pompeo at New York Fashion Week in 2023, proving that the stylish genes run deep. But unlike Stella, she hasn’t been allowed to watch Grey’s Anatomy yet.
Pompeo once explained that scenes of her in underwear or the show’s more mature themes made her pause before giving Sienna the green light. It’s a relatable parenting dilemma: how much of your work do you actually want your kids to see?
The youngest, Eli Christopher, is their little burst of energy. Born in 2016, he’s the one who keeps everyone on their toes. Pompeo has shared adorable glimpses of him singing, playing basketball, and just being the kind of kid who fills a room with laughter. At her Walk of Fame ceremony, Eli made a rare public appearance, dressed in a tiny navy suit, looking every bit the proud son.
Sienna wasn’t there in person, but Pompeo made sure she was included in spirit, jokingly telling the crowd, “Everybody say Sienna!” It’s those small, genuine moments that show how much their family thrives on love and humor.
Ellen Pompeo’s approach to balancing fame and fa has been refreshingly real. She’s never pretended it’s easy. When she stepped back from Grey’s Anatomy in a full-time capacity, it wasn’t just about career evolution. It was about being present for her children in a way that a demanding TV schedule wouldn’t allow. She’s spoken openly about the guilt that comes with being a working mom, the constant tug between professional ambition and missing soccer games or school events.
But what stands out is how she and Ivery have made it work as a team. There’s no Hollywood facade here, just two people who prioritize their family while navigating the chaos of their respective careers.
