Ellen Pompeo is an actress.
Ellen Kathleen Pompeo ( [ pʌmˈpɛoʊ ] , born November 10 , 1969 ) is an American actress and producer . 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 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 . 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 ) .