Fans Worry About Ellen Pompeo’s ‘Swollen’ Face That Looks Like ‘Allergic Reaction’ After She Quit Show To Be With Family

Oct 04, 2023

Ellen Pompeo got her big break on “Grey’s Anatomy,” which debuted in March 2005. It was an immediate hit with audiences, who lapped every moment of her character’s hits and misses. However, after 19 seasons, Pompeo announced on Nov. 17, 2022, that she would be leaving the show that had made her a fan favorite for years. While the show’s popularity and longevity were a boon for its producers, Pompeo had expressed her desire to see the series wrap up. In December 2021, she said she may have been the only one who wanted to see the show end.

“​I feel like I’m the super naive one who keeps saying, ‘But what’s the story going to be, what story are we going to tell?’” she told Business Insider. “And everyone’s like, ‘Who cares, Ellen? It makes a gazillion dollars.’”

In her announcement via Instagram that revealed she was leaving the show, the star thanked her fans and cited their immense support for how far the show had come. She also intimated she wasn’t walking away entirely from the show, as she wrote in her post: 

“This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit.”

Since then, Pompeo has been busy with many projects lined up to keep her in the mind and sight of fans worldwide. Before announcing that she was leaving the show, she had already launched her passion project in 2021. The project was a podcast called “Tell Me With Ellen Pompeo,” where she hosts discussions with public figures. 

Nevertheless, fans were shocked to see her on Aug. 21, 2023, with her face looking swollen. This worried many, and they asked if the star was unwell or had undergone surgery. Keep reading for the details. 

Pompeo revealed on "The Drew Barrymore Show" in December 2022 that one of the reasons she left “Grey’s Anatomy” was to be around her children more often. 

“I have three kids and so I take care of them and it’s really important for me to be around for them and be more present for them,” she shared. 

Pompeo shares three kids, daughters Stella Luna and Sienna May and son Eli Christopher, with husband Chris Ivery. The “Grey’s Anatomy” star also detailed how she and Ivery first met at a grocery store and were introduced by a mutual friend. Pompeo revealed that there were no sparks when they first met. Ivery would call her, but she wouldn’t pick up his calls or return them because she wasn’t interested in him. 

Although Ivery also declared that he didn’t want to date her, the two tied the knot in 2007. Pompeo, who is married to an African-American music producer, has also shared that she tries to show her daughters examples of strong black women. 

“Every time there is a black woman on a magazine cover, whether it is Kerry Washington or whoever it is, I make sure that magazine is in my house and on my table. For me, that’s super important,” she told People. 

She added that she ensures that her daughters see “powerful” examples on television and divulged: 

“Every time (Venus and Serena Williams) play tennis, I make sure my daughters watch them. I feel really fortunate that they are growing up in a time (in which) the first president my daughter knows is Barack Obama. That’s an incredible gift,” she shared. 

Meanwhile, Pompeo’s first daughter is at an age where she is curious about her mom’s work and legacy. The actress disclosed that she used to take Stella to the “Grey’s Anatomy” set as the latter wants to be a doctor. She also promised Stella that they would watch the series together. However, the actress confessed that she didn’t have the energy to watch the entire series. 

Pompeo also admitted that it has been hard to watch herself age over the years, although she is satisfied to age naturally and won’t use Botox or fillers to hide her wrinkles. She shared that she keeps herself looking young by drinking lots of water and abstaining from chemical-filled beauty products. 

However, when Pompeo stepped out on Aug. 21, 2023, for some coffee, according to the Daily Mail, wearing no makeup, fans had many questions. The mom of three went out during a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in LA and wore jeans, a white windbreaker jacket with black designs in front, and a pair of white sneakers. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail. 

Meanwhile, Pompeo’s face was what got many talking.

“Why is she so puffy looking?” someone asked. 

Another person commented, “Appears unwell.”

A third person asked, “I’m sorry, what happened to her face? Is she having an allergic reaction to something?”

Another person opined, “Maybe it’s a medical condition making her face all swollen? I hope she didn’t do that on purpose. Would have never recognized her unless her name was in the article.”

Some were, however, sure it was due to surgery. “Who ever did her face w that many fillers should be ashamed...they need some training,” someone wrote. 

A second person opined, “Another victim of bad fillers.”

What do you think of the fans’ comments? Seeing Ellen Pompeo on “The Grey’s Anatomy” was a pleasure, and we sincerely hope she is fine. Pass this on to any fans of the actress that you know.