Ellen Pompeo Embarks on a Challenging New Chapter: Trading Grey’s Anatomy for a Controversial Hulu Role
After an impressive 21 seasons portraying Dr. Meredith Grey, the anchor of ABC’s long-running medical drama "Grey’s Anatomy," Ellen Pompeo is venturing into uncharted territory. The Golden Globe-nominated actress is stepping away from the familiar halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, at least temporarily, to tackle a role that initially filled her with apprehension: Kristine Barnett, the adoptive mother in Hulu’s upcoming limited series inspired by the unsettling saga of Natalia Grace.
Pompeo openly admits to her initial reservations, describing the project as a potential "landmine field" and "Cancel City." The real-life case of Natalia Grace is deeply complex and rife with conflicting narratives, making it a risky undertaking for any actor. The story revolves around a Ukrainian-born girl with dwarfism adopted by the Barnetts, who later claimed she was an adult posing as a child and accused her of violent and disturbing behavior.
The actress’s primary concern was the ethical implications of portraying such a sensitive story. "How are we going to do this? What version of this story are we telling? And are we going to portray someone with dwarfism as evil?" Pompeo questioned, highlighting the potential for misrepresentation and harm.
"Good American Family," the Hulu series, aims to navigate this complex terrain by presenting a dramatized account of the events from multiple perspectives. The eight-episode series will unfold first through the eyes of Kristine (Pompeo) and her husband, Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass), and then through the lens of Natalia Grace (Imogen Faith Reid). This approach seeks to offer a nuanced understanding of the situation, acknowledging the inherent biases and subjective interpretations that shape our perception of truth.
The Barnetts’ initial hopes were that Natalia would seamlessly integrate into their family after adopting her in 2010. However, their experience allegedly turned into a nightmare. They claimed that Natalia exhibited disturbing behavior, including placing thumbtacks on the stairs and attempting to harm Kristine. Michael Barnett recounted these allegations in a 2019 interview, contributing to the already intense public scrutiny surrounding the case.
The Barnetts’ actions further complicated the narrative. In 2012, they successfully petitioned to change Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989, legally declaring her an adult. They subsequently moved her into an apartment in Indiana and relocated to Canada. However, more recent DNA testing has suggested that Natalia’s age is closer to her original birth year, raising serious questions about the Barnetts’ treatment of a minor.
Recognizing the sensitivity and potential pitfalls of the project, co-executive producer Sarah Sutherland emphasizes the extensive research conducted by the team. Series creator Katie Robbins, a former journalist and documentarian, brought her investigative skills to the table, while Sutherland’s background in economics research further contributed to a meticulous approach.
Robbins observed that the perception of the Natalia Grace case was heavily influenced by the perspective being presented. "It was this roller coaster going through the articles, and it became this Rorschach test: How you saw it depended on who was telling the story and what biases and background you were bringing to the story," she explains. This insight inspired her to create a show that explores the subjective nature of truth and the impact of perspective.
Pompeo found reassurance in her conversations with Robbins, who demonstrated a commitment to responsible storytelling. The actress’s agent also encouraged her to embrace the challenge, suggesting that the role was an opportunity to "really turn things on its head and show people a completely crazy side of you."
The casting of Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace proved to be a crucial element in the project’s success. Pompeo recalls a lengthy and engaging Zoom call with Reid, during which they established a strong connection. Reid’s passionate advocacy for her character’s perspective and her desire to tell her side of the story deeply resonated with Pompeo.
Pompeo embraced the responsibility of creating a thoughtful and compelling TV series inspired by true events. She views this project as a significant departure from the familiar comfort of "Grey’s Anatomy," presenting her with a unique opportunity for growth. "Grey’s has other challenges," she acknowledges. "But I really wanted something that really challenged me and to see if I have what it takes. I’ve been doing the same thing for 20 years, and if I fall on my face, I fall on my face. This was something that I could put 200% of my effort into and let’s just see what happens."
While Pompeo is embarking on this new venture, she hasn’t completely closed the door on her iconic role as Meredith Grey. She confirms that she’s in preliminary discussions to appear in seven episodes of "Grey’s Anatomy" next season, mirroring her involvement this season.
"I absolutely am so privileged to be able to say that I get to be a part of it, still, and the fans love that, and with a commitment that works for me and makes me able to fill my life with other things," she says, expressing her gratitude for the enduring connection with the show and its fans. "I don’t know if there’s been a next-season pickup or not. But they know that I love that show and that’s 20 years of my life and that I always will pop in and out and make appearances."
However, after two decades of playing the same character, Pompeo is eager to explore roles that push her boundaries and allow her to showcase a different side of her talent. "I would love to have more opportunities to keep playing crazy characters," she concludes, hinting at a desire to continue challenging herself and embracing the unexpected in her career. Her choice to portray Kristine Barnett shows Pompeo’s commitment to complex and thought-provoking roles that deviate from her established image, creating a new chapter for the beloved actress.
