Add this item to your bucket list: Girl talk with Ellen Pompeo!
The Grey's Anatomy star is always charmingly real in interviews, and when I hit the set for tomorrow night's Private Practice crossover episode, she discussed everything from why she's still invested in doing the show after eight seasons, the not-so-promising fate of Owen and Cristina (gulp!), and her real-life struggles (and victories) as a working mom. (Warning: The last line of this interview may make you tear up.)
Here's the scoop from Ellen herself, and the exclusive video from the set…
How has it been working with the twins (who play Meredith's daughter Lola)?
Ellen Pompeo: Those babies are amazing. They're so cute and they're really small. You know they're only like a little over a year, but they seem to know when the camera is on them. I didn't see it but I think it [already] aired…When we were trying to get her to walk, and they're really on the verge of walking, and just when the camera was on her, she just stood up and walked across the room! It was really a real moment and so it really has been fun. They're great babies.
Has Stella been around the two babies at all?
No, I feel really bad. I really feel like I'm cheating on Stella, I feel terrible. They're adorable, but I really do feel guilty.
The fans really wan to know, do you know what Meredith's specialty will be?
[Shakes her head no.] When I find out I'll let you know, I have no idea. The fans know more than me at this point!
You are eight seasons in. Are you happy now that Meredith and Derek are finally steady and consistent? And the fans are still invested?
I think, you know, season eight, anytime you get to play something new, if there even is such a thing at this point anything new on Grey's Anatomy, it's fun. Luckily we have good chemistry and we're lucky to still be here. I don't think too many shows can say that their fans have still hung in for them til season eight. So I'm happy that the fans are still enjoying the show and that's sort of what drives me and makes it worth it for me. Because people still come up to me every day and love the show and want to express how much the show means to them. And so what keeps me going is not so much the scenes on the show but the fans.
What can you tell us about the crossover?
I don't know because I'm not in it!
What are you shooting today [for the same episode as the crossover]?
Today I am shooting with the lovely and talented Sandra Oh and she is having problems in her relationship and I'm trying to be the voice of reason and I love me some Sandra Oh.
Cristina and Owen [Kevin McKidd]: Is there hope?
I mean, that is a pretty serious situation what happened! And I could very easily see him walking away. Then again, I guess Meredith has a point: Why did he marry her? He knew exactly who she was, but it looks irreparable to me at this point. But I do love acting with Sandra Oh. That's my favorite part of the show I'd have to say, well I love Patrick [Dempsey] too, but me and Sandra have something special.
Is Meredith and Derek's dream house going to happen?
I have no idea what happened to that. It should be built by now. It should be a castle, it should be as big as the castle in Beauty and the Beast by now! [laughs.]
We saw that Meredith's roommates are finally moving out.
Oh thank God they're moving out! I mean at my age, roommates? I mean listen, eight years ago it would have made a little more sense but now I'm a bit old for [that]!
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In real life, how has it been juggling the show and being a mom to your beautiful daughter, Stella?
It is challenging. You know, I have my days where I feel really guilty that I've been here every day if I have to work a lot. But the truth is I'm in a very blessed situation, I am so lucky. First of all, I am so lucky to live in a country where a girl like me can make this kind of living, achieve her dreams and reach her goals. And I don't think anywhere else in the world can girls have the freedom that we do here to have these amazing careers and be mothers. So first I'll say it really isn't a challenge with respect to the women in the rest of the world, I think we're very lucky. And all working moms have their challenges and I'm incredibly lucky compared to most. I can afford help and I'm fortunate where I can bring her here if I miss her. She's not in preschool yet so she can spend time on set with me. So I think everything in my life is a blessing. I've got my little challenges, but they're insignificant compared to what real working moms go through.
That's great that she can look up to you in that way and see what a woman of today can look like.
Absolutely, and how we can have whatever we want. And I strive to be a better person everyday because of her.
Also from this set visit: Check out KaDee Strickland and Paul Adelstein talking baby-mama drama and baby-makin'! And check back tomorrow for more cast interviews from the Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice crossover.