Ellen Pompeo, globally recognized for her iconic role as Meredith Grey in the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, often portrays a life of intense drama and demanding work on screen. However, away from the operating room of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Pompeo’s most cherished role is that of a devoted mother and wife. Married to music producer Chris Ivery since 2007, Pompeo’s family life is centered around their three children: Stella Luna, Sienna May, and Eli Christopher. As she steps back from the demanding schedule of Grey’s Anatomy, Pompeo has openly expressed her joy in dedicating more time to her family, emphasizing their importance in her life. Let’s take a closer look into the world of Ellen Pompeo’s family and get to know her children.
Stella Luna, the Budding Medical Enthusiast
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Born on September 15, 2009, Stella Luna Ivery, Ellen Pompeo’s eldest daughter, seems to be following in her mother’s fictional footsteps, showing a keen interest in the medical field from a young age. Despite Pompeo playing a doctor on television, Stella’s fascination with medicine appears genuine and started early. Pompeo recounted an amusing anecdote on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2015, detailing Stella’s fondness for visiting the Grey’s Anatomy set, not for the glitz and glamour, but for the medical producer Linda Klein’s office. Stella, instead of being interested in typical set activities, was drawn to the medical equipment, even participating in hands-on (albeit supervised) activities like drilling a fake femur bone with a real bone drill under Klein’s guidance. This early exposure and enthusiasm hint at a potential future in medicine for Stella, mirroring her mother’s on-screen persona.
Beyond her set visits, Stella has also started to accompany her mother to high-profile events. In a memorable appearance, Stella joined Ellen Pompeo at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024. The mother-daughter duo graced the red carpet together, showcasing their individual styles – Pompeo in a chic silver shirt and black maxi skirt, and Stella in a stylish strapless black jumpsuit. Pompeo shared an Instagram video capturing a joyful moment with Stella before the event, highlighting the special bond they share and expressing gratitude for the memorable night. Stella’s presence at such events indicates a growing comfort in the public eye and a close relationship with her mother.
Sienna May, Embracing Individuality and Style
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Sienna May Ivery, born in 2014 via surrogate, is Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery’s second daughter. Her arrival brought a mix of emotions in the Pompeo-Ivery household, particularly for her older sister Stella. Pompeo humorously shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that Stella’s initial excitement about a sibling quickly waned. The reality of sharing attention seemed to dawn on Stella after three months, leading to a month-long period of “bad mood.” However, this phase eventually passed, and Stella and Sienna developed a more harmonious sibling relationship. This candid anecdote provides a relatable glimpse into the typical adjustments families face when welcoming a new baby.
Sienna, even at a young age, is showing a flair for fashion and a comfort in the spotlight. In February 2023, at just eight years old, Sienna accompanied her mother to New York Fashion Week, attending the Michael Kors show. The pair made a stylish entrance, photographed hand-in-hand, with Sienna demonstrating a natural poise beyond her years. This appearance alongside her celebrity mother at such a prestigious event suggests Sienna is growing up with an appreciation for style and fashion, perhaps hinting at future interests in creative fields. Pompeo has also spoken about imparting wisdom to her daughters, emphasizing self-empowerment and compassion, values she likely instills in Sienna as she navigates her childhood and adolescence.
Eli Christopher, The Musical and Playful Youngest
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Eli Christopher Ivery, the youngest of Ellen Pompeo’s children, was born in 2016, completing the Pompeo-Ivery family. Ellen Pompeo announced Eli’s arrival in a playful social media post, humorously suggesting her husband Chris Ivery had been “dethroned” as the main man in her life by her newborn son. While Pompeo and Ivery maintain a relatively private family life, Eli has made a few endearing appearances on Pompeo’s Instagram, offering glimpses into his personality.
Social media snippets reveal a playful and musically inclined young boy. In 2017, Pompeo shared a video of Eli’s “slow dance debut,” capturing a sweet moment of childhood innocence. Another Instagram post in 2021 showcased Eli’s singing skills, indicating a potential for musical talent, perhaps inherited from his music producer father, Chris Ivery. Even while Pompeo was engaged in directing duties for Grey’s Anatomy in 2017, Eli was by her side, as seen in a black-and-white photo Pompeo shared, captioning it “Directing prep with my mentor and my man,” featuring Eli and director Debbie Allen. This image portrays Pompeo’s ability to balance her professional life with motherhood, often integrating her children into her daily activities. Further glimpses into Eli’s playful nature include a TikTok video of him playing basketball and photos from a family trip to Italy where he and his father were pictured on a Vespa in matching outfits, highlighting the close bond within the Ellen Pompeo Family.
A Family-Focused Life Beyond the Screen
Ellen Pompeo’s dedication to her family is evident in her words and actions. Her decision to scale back her involvement in Grey’s Anatomy underscores her priority to be more present for Stella, Sienna, and Eli. While she has achieved immense success in her career, it is clear that Pompeo finds her greatest fulfillment in her role as a mother and wife. The glimpses she shares of her children reveal a family life filled with love, humor, and a strong emphasis on family bonds. Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery have created a nurturing environment where their children are encouraged to explore their interests and grow into confident individuals, supported by a loving and grounded family foundation.
