Ellen Pompeo Returns to Grey's Anatomy at Record $20 Million Per Year

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Ellen Pompeo has renewed her contract on Shonda Rhimes’ “Grey’s Anatomy” through seasons 15 and 16, becoming the highest-paid dramatic actress on TV at a record $20 million per year, according to media reports.

The new deal would provide Pompeo $575,000 per episode, a seven-figure bonus, back end points on the Shondaland show, a producing credit and an executive producing credit for the upcoming spinoff, The Hollywood Reporter wrote.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” star was making $13 million a year in 2017 (most of which came from the series, though she also has an endorsement deal with skin-care company Philosophy) and tied with Mindy Kaling as the No. 4 highest-paid actress on TV, according to Forbes.

Also Read: Here's Everything We Know so Far About the Untitled 'Grey's Anatomy' Spinoff

The only actresses who ranked higher were “Big Bang Theory” star Kaley Cuoco ($26 million) and “Modern Family” lead Sofia Vergara ($41.5 million), both ladies of comedy, putting Pompeo at the top for dramas. Using those numbers it is safe to assume the “Grey’s” star is now the highest-paid actress in a TV drama — ever.

ABC confirmed to TheWrap that Pompeo has extended her overall deal with ABC Studios for two years.

Representatives for Pompeo did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

Also Read: Why ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy' Spinoff Still Doesn't Have a Title

“I’m 48 now, so I’ve finally gotten to the place where I’m OK asking for what I deserve, which is something that comes only with age,” Pompeo told THR. “Because I’m not the most ‘relevant’ actress out there. I know that’s the industry perception because I’ve been this character for 14 years. But the truth is, anybody can be good on a show season one and two. Can you be good 14 years later? Now, that’s a f—–‘ skill.”

Amid the reports of Pompeo’s salary upgrade, it’s important to note “Grey’s Anatomy” has not been officially renewed by ABC beyond its current 14th season and showrunner Rhimes recently signed a deal with Netflix.

Top 20 Highest-Paid Actors in 2017 Ranked, From Mark Ruffalo to Mark Wahlberg (Photos)

Forbes released its annual highest-paid actors list for 2017 and there are quite a few newcomers on the list. Overall, the list (for earnings between June 1, 2016, and June 1, 2017) proves that if you star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you're set for a while.
20. Mark Ruffalo
Earnings: $13 million

Ruffalo got a nice payday from his role in the MCU. He'll be appearing next in "Thor: Ragnarok" as Marvel's jolly green giant.
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19. Chris Pratt
Earnings: $17 million

Pratt is also a staple in the MCU, with his starring role in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise. He made 35 percent less than last year, but still manages to make the top 20.
Marvel
18. Chris Evans
Earnings: $18 million.

Look another MCU veteran. Evans plays Captain America and is expected to earn an even bigger paycheck with his role in "Avengers: Infinity War."
Marvel
17. Jeremy Renner
Earnings: $19 million

We sense a pattern. However, Renner is on the list thanks to his role in "Arrival," which earned over $200 million at the box office.
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16. Matt Damon
Earnings: $21 million

Damon is expected to earn a huge paycheck with his upcoming film "Downsizing," but multiple executive producing credits surely help.
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15. Ryan Reynolds
Earnings: $21.5 million

Expectations for "Deadpool 2" are high and his paycheck will be even higher.
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14. Ryan Gosling
Earnings: $29 million

"La La Land" and an Oscar nomination really helped Gosling to make it onto the list, plus the upcoming "Blade Runner 2049" didn't hurt.
Warner Bros.
13. Samuel L. Jackson
Earnings: $30.5 million

He gets money from his deal with Capital One but the sheer number of movies Jackson appears in contributes. He starred in "Kong: Skull Island," "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" and "The Hitman's Bodyguard" in 2017 alone.
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12. Tom Hanks
Earnings: $31 million

A frequent member of the highest-paid actors club, Hanks raked in paychecks from "The Circle," "Sully," and the third Robert Langdom film "Inferno."
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11. Chris Hemsworth
Earnings: $31.5 million

The best Chris? At least the highest-paid one. The Marvel actor saw the biggest increase in money earned this year of anybody else on the list.
Marvel
10. Akshay Kumar
Earnings: $35.5 million

Many inside the United States may not realize it but Bollywood is a big moneymaker. Kumar's films are some of the highest grossing in Indian history.
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9. Salman Khan
Earnings: $37 million

Another Bollywood star. Khan has been one of the country's biggest stars for nearly three decades. He starred in the movie "Sultan" in 2016.
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8. Shah Rukh Khan
Earnings: $38 million

They don't call him the "King of Bollywood" for nothing. He had four film roles in 2016 and has three listed for 2017.
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7. Tom Cruise
Earnings: $43 million

Like Hanks, Cruise is another frequent flyer on this list. He earned massive paychecks this year for "The Mummy" and "Mission: Impossible 6."
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6. Robert Downey Jr.
Earnings: $48 million

Being the highest-paid actor in the MCU will help those numbers. A lot.
Sony
5. Jackie Chan
Earnings: $49 million

He may not be as frequent in American cinemas but he's still the biggest star from mainland China.
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4. Adam Sandler
Earnings: $50.5 million

Sandler is making big money from his deal with Netflix. Recently, the streaming service extended that deal for four more films.
Netflix
3. Vin Diesel
Earnings: $54.4 million

The eighth installment in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise, "The Fate of the Furious," made over $1 billion internationally and that doesn't even include paychecks from "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."
Universal
2. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Earnings: $65 million

He was the top earner on Forbes' list last year. Despite some box office disappointments, like with "Baywatch," he's still rolling in the dough.
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1. Mark Wahlberg
Earnings: $68 million

Wahlberg smelled what the Rock was cooking and took the top spot this year thanks to big paychecks from "Transformers: The Last Knight" and the upcoming "Daddy's Home 2."
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Forbes list proves actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are set for a while, too

Forbes released its annual highest-paid actors list for 2017 and there are quite a few newcomers on the list. Overall, the list (for earnings between June 1, 2016, and June 1, 2017) proves that if you star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you're set for a while.

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Top 20 Highest-Paid Actors in 2017 Ranked, From Mark Ruffalo to Mark Wahlberg (Photos)

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