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 Pompeo . Pompeo then starred in ABC 's popular medical drama Grey 's Anatomy ( 2005 -- present ) , and garnered worldwide recognition for her portrayal of the title character Dr. Meredith Grey .