Ellen Pompeo Says She Might Leave ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ “Sooner Rather Than Later”

Pompeo said she wants to leave the show while she’s still happy to be there.

Grey’s fans, prepare yourselves.  After 17 seasons on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen Pompeo is talking about stepping away from the show. We don’t yet know exactly how or when Meredith Grey will go out, but it’s sure to be an emotional ride.

As far as when she’ll be making her exit, the details are still a bit vague.

“Certainly, I think to dip out sooner rather than later at this point, having done what we’ve done, to leave while the show is still on top is definitely a goal,” she said. “I’m not trying to stay on the show forever. No way.”

Though Pompeo’s longevity on the show is certainly something to be proud of, watching herself age from 33 to 50 onscreen hasn’t been easy. “You really see it because I’m in the same clothes, I’m in the same character. So the way I see myself aging—that’s a motherfucker.”  However, the actress isn’t ashamed of her age.

“At the same time, I think the overall goal of my life is to always keep my ego in check,” she said. “I don’t want to tell myself lies. I don’t lie about my age.”

Pompeo said she wants to leave the show while she’s still happy to be there.
Grey’s Anatomy has yet to be officially renewed beyond Season 17—when Pompeo’s contract currently expires.