Ellen Pompeo’s love story with Chris Ivery is one that has stood the test of time, a rarity in Hollywood’s whirlwind of relationships. They met in 2003 in a Los Angeles grocery store, an ordinary setting for what would become an extraordinary bond. For six months, they remained just friends, but the chemistry was undeniable.
By the time they officially started dating, they discovered they had grown up just ten minutes apart in Massachusetts. Their connection deepened, and on Ellen’s 37th birthday in November 2006, Chris proposed. Almost exactly a year later, on November 9, 2007, they exchanged vows in a private ceremony at City Hall in New York City, officiated by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The secrecy of their wedding was an intentional choice, a reflection of their preference to keep their personal lives as private as possible.
Ellen Pompeo Shares Three Adorable Kids With Her Husband, Chris Ivery
Over the years, Ellen and Chris have built a beautiful family together, welcoming three children. Their firstborn, Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery, arrived on September 15, 2009. From a young age, Stella expressed an interest in medicine, much like her mother’s on-screen persona, Meredith Grey. When she visited the Grey’s Anatomy set as a child, she was fascinated by the medical props and was even given a real bone drill to play with under supervision.
In 2024, Stella joined her mother at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, dressed in a sleek, strapless black jumpsuit. Despite growing up with a famous mother, Stella has not shown an interest in acting but instead enjoys fashion and attending high-profile events alongside Ellen.
Their second daughter, Sienna May Ivery, was born in 2014 via surrogate. When she was just three months old, Stella, then five, reportedly asked if her baby sister was leaving soon, a humorous sibling rivalry moment that Ellen has recounted with amusement. Sienna has since grown into a confident young girl, making headlines for her appearance at the Michael Kors show at New York Fashion Week in 2023.
However, unlike Stella, Sienna has not been allowed to watch Grey’s Anatomy yet. Ellen explained in a 2025 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live that while many of Sienna’s classmates have seen the show, she isn’t comfortable with her daughter watching her in intimate scenes just yet. Sienna, for now, remains content with glimpses of her mother’s stardom at fashion events rather than on television.
The youngest of the trio, Eli Christopher Ivery, was born in December 2016. Ellen introduced him to the world with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring Chris cradling the newborn, captioned, “Chris Ivery just fell a notch. I’ve got a new guy.” As the only boy in the family, Eli shares a special bond with his father, and the two have been spotted wearing matching outfits while on family vacations. In 2021, Ellen delighted fans by posting a TikTok video of Eli showing off his basketball skills. He may be the youngest, but his presence in the family is just as strong, with his parents ensuring he grows up in a grounded and loving environment.
CUTE! Ellen Pompeo via story with her daughter Sienna May singing “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift❤️
— Central Ellen Pompeo (@centralep_) March 25, 2023
Ellen and Chris have made a conscious effort to protect their children from excessive public scrutiny. Ellen, in particular, has been vocal about raising her daughters with strong, empowering Black female role models. Since both Stella and Sienna are Black, she ensures they see powerful Black women in media and fashion, bringing home magazines featuring the likes of Kerry Washington and other trailblazers. This commitment to representation is something she has openly discussed, emphasizing the importance of instilling confidence and pride in her daughters.
Who Is Ellen Pompeo’s Husband, Chris Ivery?
While Ellen’s career as Meredith Grey made her a household name, Chris has had a dynamic career of his own. He spent over 25 years in the music industry as a producer and songwriter, even co-writing Rihanna’s 2010 hit Cheers (Drink to That). However, in 2019, he shifted gears and launched his own clothing line, STLA. Ellen has often expressed admiration for her husband’s ability to reinvent himself, calling his career change at age 50 “inspirational.”
Despite being married to one of television’s most famous faces, Chris has largely stayed away from Grey’s Anatomy. Ellen has admitted that he “really never watched the show,” a decision that helped maintain their relationship’s separation from her on-screen romance with Patrick Dempsey’s character, Derek Shepherd. “It was better for him,” she said in a 2025 interview, explaining how the show’s global success could have complicated their marriage.
Chris has also spoken about how challenging it was for him in the early days, especially when tabloids dug into his past and scrutinized their interracial relationship. Ellen, who grew up in a rough Boston neighborhood herself, has always defended her husband, pointing out the unfair treatment he received from the media.
Even with the intense spotlight that comes with Ellen’s level of fame, she and Chris have kept their marriage strong by prioritizing family. They enjoy simple date nights at home and occasional getaways to Malibu. Their secret? Supporting each other and making time for one another, even in the midst of their demanding careers. With three children and nearly two decades of marriage, Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery have built a life that brings together Hollywood glamour with deep-rooted family values, proving that even in an industry known for fleeting romances, true love can endure.
