The latest season of Grey's Anatomy has been taking on the coronavirus pandemic head-on. Now the actress behind "Meredith Grey" is making sure viewers understand the importance of the frontline workers.
Ellen Pompeo On Coronavirus
"Dr. Meredith Grey" spoke with People about how seriously she has taken the latest season of Grey's Anatomy. Ellen Pompeo explained, "It's really serious what they're going through, and if we could put a face on those faceless healthcare workers. You know, people just hear about them or they see them behind masks."
The strong 51-year-old actress said, "Even though we are behind masks, so many people are familiar with our show, and that was something to take seriously. It was a huge responsibility." The latest season began with a time-jump while the pandemic was already in full swing.
The hospital staff are overwhelmed with the crushing amount of loss and are fighting hard to save as many people as they can. Ellen's titular character suffered an emotional breakdown after losing one-too many patients and now "Meredith" herself is fighting the disease.
Ellen and her fellow castmates put in their full effort to do the healthcare workers they portray justice. "We were so eager to take it on. I have to say, everybody on the show, all the actors, are super dedicated to it, and really, really excited about getting something meaningful to portray this season."
"Obviously, we'd rather not have COVID-19, but when you're doing a show for 17 seasons you're really looking for how to keep these stories going. These healthcare workers gave it to us this season, so we feel really grateful to be able to tell the stories of these healthcare workers."
An epic comeback!
Grey's Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff told The Hollywood Reporter, "Over 1,700 healthcare workers in the U.S. have died of COVID to date. Many thousands more have been infected. Healthcare workers are on the front lines of this crisis, living through a war for which they were not trained."
"We saw an opportunity to dramatize and illuminate their plight through the incredibly well-loved and well-known character of Meredith Grey."
Grey's latest season has been an eye-opening and exciting journey that you do not want to miss. They have even been featuring past stars like Patrick Dempsey! Who will be returning next?
