Long before she became the iconic Dr Meredith Grey, Ellen Pompeo made a surprising appearance on one of the world's most beloved sitcoms. This little-known fact adds a fascinating layer to the actress's journey to superstardom.
Ellen Pompeo's Surprise Friends Appearance
Ellen Pompeo, who would soon become a household name as the lead of Grey's Anatomy, guest-starred on Season 10, Episode 11 of Friends. The episode, titled 'The One Where the Stripper Cries', aired in February 2004. This was a full year before the medical drama that would define her career premiered on television.
In the episode, Pompeo played Missy Goldberg, a woman from Ross and Chandler's college past. Her arrival at a college reunion throws their long-standing friendship into a comedic crisis. The cameo, though short, is now a delightful Easter egg for fans who discover it while rewatching the classic series.
The Chaos Caused by Missy Goldberg
The episode was already packed with chaotic storylines, including Joey's hilarious failure on a game show and Phoebe's disastrous bachelorette party. Missy's entry added another layer of madness. Ross and Chandler had made a pact in college never to date her. With Chandler now married to Monica, Ross sees his chance and asks Missy out.
The situation quickly unravels. Missy casually reveals a history of frequent make-out sessions with Chandler, shocking Ross. Chandler retaliates by exposing that Ross broke their pact first by dating Rachel. A heated argument erupts over the specific details of Ross's first kiss, leading to the ultimate revelation from Monica: Ross's first kiss was actually with her, not Rachel.
Why Pompeo Can't Leave Meredith Grey Behind
Even after nearly two decades, Ellen Pompeo maintains a deep connection to Grey's Anatomy. In a 2025 interview with El País, she explained her enduring commitment to the show, citing both emotional and financial reasons.
She highlighted the series' staggering ongoing popularity, noting it was streamed more than a billion times in 2024 alone. "That would make no sense, emotionally or financially," Pompeo stated regarding walking away completely.
She emphasized that the companies that own and distribute the show continue to profit significantly from the work of the cast. "If I were to walk away completely, everybody gets to make money from my hard work for 20 years, and I wouldn't make any money," she explained. Pompeo also expressed gratitude for the show's profound impact on fans worldwide, stating she wants to "have an attitude of gratitude" towards the project that shaped her career and touched millions.
