Ellen Pompeo on Stepping Back From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and Reuniting With Patrick Dempsey at D23 Expo (Exclusive)

Ellen Pompeo reunited with Patrick Dempsey Friday to kickoff D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center, and the Grey’s Anatomy star was thrilled to finally see him in person, and his new hairdo!

After the 52-year-old actress lent her hand and signature to commemorate her Disney Legend status, Pompeo spoke to ET’s Will Marfuggi and opened up about scaling back her role as the iconic Meredith Grey on the hit ABC show.

Pompeo’s set to appear in only eight episodes for the upcoming 19th season of the medical drama, as she’ll split time between that show while starring in and executive producing an eight-episode limited series, Untitled Orphan Project, for Hulu. But, Grey fans need not worry. Pomepo says Grey’s spirit will be as palpable as ever.

“It’s still Grey’s, she’s still there in spirit and that’s the house that Grey built, so she’s always there,” Pomeo said. “She just has to step away for a little bit to do a Hulu show. It’s a great company to work for and I’m really, really lucky that they’ve given me the opportunity to do both, and so I had to take it.”