Ellen Pompeo only has love for Katherine Heigl.
Just weeks after sharing support for her former Grey's Anatomy co-star, Ellen explained why the compliments were a no-brainer. "I've always supported her," she told E! News' Daily Pop at the 400th episode celebration. "I've always had a deep, deep love and respect for everybody who's been a part of Grey's."
Though Heigl left the show, in which she played Izzie Stevens, in 2010, Pompeo's feelings toward her remain the same. "It would not be what it is without everybody who's contributed," she continued. "I have a lot of love for everybody."
In April, Pompeo praised Heigl for speaking out about the long hours they spent on the Grey's set in 2009, saying that the Knocked Up actress was "ahead of her time."
"It's absolutely correct what she said," Pompeo said on the podcast Tell Me With Ellen Pompeo. "And she was f--king ballsy for saying it. And she was telling the truth. She wasn't lying. Also, when you're younger, you're so excited to be there and you're so happy to be invited to the party that you're willing to do whatever it is they're asking you to do."
In 2009, Heigl said that the cast had been asked to work 17-hour days, describing the work conditions as "mean and cruel."
The following year she left the cast of Grey's Anatomy.
Conditions have since changed on the set, with Pompeo telling E! News that she has a healthy work-life balance. "I'm in a very nice position where I get to spend a lot of time with my family," she said. "ABC is a great partner and they have allowed me the time with my family, and the space and grace to be able to balance my home life."
She continued, "Like I said, any time a woman has that kind of power and control over her own body and her own life, that's a sweet spot to be in. So, I'm very lucky."
New episodes of Grey's Anatomy air Thursdays on ABC.