Ellen Pompeo is an actress.
Cristina Yang , M.D. , Ph.D. , is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey 's Anatomy , which has aired for over 12 years on the American Broadcasting Company ( ABC ) in the United States . Ellen Kathleen Pompeo ( [ pʌmˈpɛoʊ ] , born November 10 , 1969 ) is an American actress and producer . She made her screen debut with NBC 's legal drama Law & Order , and then guest-starred in other television shows , including the comedy Strangers with Candy , the medical drama Strong Medicine and the sitcom Friends . A turning point came in her career in 2002 , when she gained wide recognition for her starring role in Brad Silberling 's drama Moonlight Mile . Pompeo 's other notable film roles include the comedy Old School ( 2003 ) , the superhero film Daredevil ( 2003 ) , the caper film Art Heist ( 2004 ) , and the comedy drama Life of the Party ( 2005 ) .