ELLEN CASH CRISIS PUTS GREY’S ON LIFE SUPPORT!
TV doc demanding $5M more a year
GREY’S Anatomy has made star Ellen Pompeo filthy rich, but the TV doc wants more, stunned insiders say! Sources dish the 51-yearold actress, who’s played Dr. Meredith Grey since 2005, is angling for another fat payday to stay with the hospital drama — even though ratings are plunging!
“If she’s to sign for two more years, Ellen wants a raise from her current $20 million to $25 million per year and her team isn’t budging as they negotiate with Disney/ABC,” spills an insider.
“It’s going down to the wire because to renew the show and bring back all the other actors, they really need Ellen’s deal to be done by the end of this month.
“It’s been a very drawn-out negotiation with everybody threatening to walk if they don’t get what they want.
“Ellen is a tough negotiator and that’s what’s made her TV’s highest-paid actress!”
Grey’s Anatomy’s ratings have dropped to their lowest point ever during the current 17th season and producers don’t think they’ll bounce back without Ellen, according to sources.
“Ellen’s generated a lot of press for the series this year and was an industry leader in helping TV dramas get back to work amid COVID-19,” spills a source.
“Besides that, she was instrumental in luring former cast members like T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey back for guest appearances.
“It’s hard to put a price tag on that, but Ellen is willing to commit to two or three more years if they meet her price.”
Ellen admitted in February the show’s future was still up in the air, saying: “We are really trying to figure it out right now. What story do we tell to end a show this iconic?”
The insider adds: “The bosses have a shot at getting to the 20-season mark — if they show Ellen the money!”
“The difference between genius and stupidity is: Genius has its limits.” - Alexandre Dumas-fils