Taylor Swift’s Shocking Generosity—Ellen Pompeo Reveals the Truth
Ellen Pompeo Reveals Taylor Swift’s Heartwarming Response to Her Unexpected Request
Ellen Pompeo Gains 'Cool Points' with Her Kids
Hollywood actress Ellen Pompeo recently opened up about a memorable moment that made her a hero in her kids’ eyes. During her guest appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Good American Family star reflected on her experience starring in Taylor Swift’s 2015 music video Bad Blood—and the unexpected request she made to the pop icon.
How Ellen Pompeo Ended Up in Bad Blood
The Grey’s Anatomy star confessed that she didn’t know Swift personally before being invited to appear in the music video. “Taylor is such a good girl. I didn’t know her and she invited me to be in the video, and I thought, ‘Oh, that will be fun,’” Pompeo shared with Hudson. “Honestly, it was the easiest thing. It was like an hour or two.”
The Bad Blood music video was packed with A-list celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Mariska Hargitay. Swift’s deep admiration for Grey’s Anatomy is well-documented, as she even named her cat Meredith Grey after Pompeo’s character.
Ellen Pompeo’s Unexpected Request to Taylor Swift
While filming, Pompeo saw an opportunity to make a real difference. She and her husband, Chris Ivery, have been long-time supporters of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), specifically a program that creates music for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
“At the time, [Chris and I] were doing a lot of volunteering for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” Pompeo explained. “They had a program that creates music for babies in the NICU.”

How the Program Helps NICU Babies
The CHLA program allows working parents to record nursery rhymes and stories for their babies, which has been shown to have a positive impact on the infants’ health and emotional well-being. But the initiative needed financial support to continue its mission.
Realizing the potential for change, Pompeo decided to ask Swift for a donation.
Taylor Swift’s Instant, Generous Response
Without hesitation, Swift agreed to help. “I asked Taylor, ‘Could you write me a big old check for Children’s?’ and she knew me all but 20 minutes, and that girl wrote me the biggest check without blinking an eye,” Pompeo revealed.
Swift, known for her philanthropic nature, has a history of supporting various charitable causes. Her generosity has benefited education, disaster relief efforts, and even individual fans in need. This act of kindness further cements her reputation as one of the most charitable celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Taylor Swift’s Love for Grey’s Anatomy
Swift has often expressed her admiration for the medical drama. In past interviews, she revealed that she loves Grey’s Anatomy for its unique blend of dry humor and intense drama, which she believes reflects real life.
Her music has even been featured on the show multiple times, a milestone that she has called “the best thing ever.” Swift’s connection to the series only made her collaboration with Pompeo even more meaningful.
Where is Ellen Pompeo Now?
Pompeo is currently starring in Hulu’s Good American Family, a limited drama series inspired by the real-life adoption of Natalia Grace. The show also features Mark Duplass, Imogen Faith Reid, Dulé Hill, Sarayu Blue, Christina Hendricks, and Kim Shaw.
Her involvement in philanthropy and her continued success in the entertainment industry showcase her commitment to both her craft and the causes she cares about.
Ellen Pompeo’s experience with Taylor Swift on the Bad Blood set turned out to be more than just a fun memory—it became a story of generosity and goodwill. Swift’s willingness to support a cause so quickly proves why she is not only a music icon but also a role model for kindness and giving back.
This heartwarming moment between the two stars is a reminder of the power of celebrity influence and the impact of selfless acts of kindness.