When Ellen Pompeo sat down on The Jennifer Hudson Show, fans got more than just casual celebrity banter—they got a rare glimpse into the bond between the Grey’s Anatomy star and global music sensation Taylor Swift. From on-set memories to a heartfelt act of generosity, Pompeo shared moments that revealed both stars’ deeper sides.
It’s no secret that Taylor Swift has a thing for cats—and for iconic female characters. So when she named one of her beloved pets “Meredith Grey” after Pompeo’s role on Grey’s Anatomy, it sent fans of both women into a frenzy. That little detail later became part of a larger story that blended pop culture with personal connection.
Pompeo later made a memorable cameo in Swift’s 2015 “Bad Blood” music video, joining a lineup of powerhouse women including Mariska Hargitay—who, fun fact, also had a feline namesake in Swift’s home, “Olivia Benson,” after her Law & Order: SVU character.
But perhaps the most touching part of Pompeo’s interview was a story that unfolded far away from the spotlight.
While chatting with Hudson, Pompeo explained how she and her husband, Chris Ivery, have long supported Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. One program, in particular, struck a chord: a musical therapy initiative for premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Since many parents can't be present with their babies around the clock, the hospital records their voices singing lullabies or reading stories. These recordings are played for the infants throughout the day—something that, according to Pompeo, has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for the little ones.
“It’s a beautiful program,” she said. “But, like most things that make a real difference, it needs funding to keep going.”
With that in mind, Pompeo turned to Swift for help—despite barely knowing her.
“I said, ‘Taylor, any chance you could help out with a donation?’” Pompeo recalled. “We had maybe known each other 20 minutes at that point, and she just… without blinking, wrote the biggest check I’ve ever seen. No hesitation.”
That selfless act is a reminder that, for all the glitz and glamour, real change often starts with quiet generosity behind the scenes.
Of course, fans also wanted to hear about Pompeo’s time filming Bad Blood. While the music video went on to win multiple awards and rack up millions of views, her part only took a few hours to shoot.
“It was honestly the easiest thing,” she laughed. “I was only on set for maybe an hour or two. I got to film my scene with Mariska [Hargitay], which was a blast. That’s one of those things you just say yes to and don’t think twice.”
These days, Pompeo isn’t just resting on her Grey’s Anatomy laurels. She’s actively promoting her new Hulu series Good American Family, a drama that explores identity, belonging, and modern family life in a refreshingly honest way.
You can catch her full appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show to see the entire heartwarming interview—packed with laughter, nostalgia, and a few surprising reveals.