Ellen Pompeo is among the highest-paid television stars on the enduring medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. While her character, Meredith Grey, has been romantically linked to various guys throughout the show’s run, in reality, Ellen Pompeo has only one man in her life. She and her husband, Chris Ivery, have celebrated nearly 16 years of marriage and are parents to three children.
Who is Ellen Pompeo’s husband? Ellen Pompeo’s husband is Chris Ivery, an American music producer and businessman. His wife, Ellen Pompeo, frequently refers to him as her No. 1 supporter. Despite his notable career, which includes making a name for himself in the music industry, his achievements have sometimes been overshadowed by his marriage to the Grey’s Anatomy actress.
10 shocking facts about Chris Ivery
Ellen Pompeo has spent a significant portion of her life in the spotlight, especially since her debut on Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. Despite Pompeo’s celebrity status, she has successfully maintained a relatively private long-term relationship with her husband, Chris Ivery. Their beautiful connection, though occasionally shadowed by rumours, remains noteworthy. Here are some intriguing facts about Ellen Pompeo’s husband.
He has Jewish roots
Ellen Pompeo’s husband, Chris Ivery, was born on February 4, 1968, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. As of 2023, Chris Ivery’s age is 55. He has a Jewish mother, and although he was not raised in a religious household, his family observes Jewish holidays such as Hanukkah and Passover. Additionally, Ivery sports a Star of David tattoo on his chest and frequently wears a Star of David chain, symbolising his connection to the faith.
He was a music producer for over 25 years
Chris Ivery dedicated over 25 years to working as a record producer. In a February 2019 interview, his wife, Ellen, disclosed that he had spent this extensive period in the music industry before opting for a career change.
While details about Chris Ivery’s music during that period are limited, it is noteworthy that he served as a co-writer for Rihanna’s 2010 song Cheers (Drink to That), featured in a 2012 episode of NBC’s Smash.
Chris launched the clothing line STLA in 2019
After a 25-year career as a music executive, Chris Ivery made a significant career shift at 50, transitioning from music to fashion. He ventured into the clothing industry by relaunching his beloved Italian sportswear label, Sergio Tacchini, in LA.
The STLA Collection, his clothing line established in 2019, has gained the attention of notable fans like Justin Bieber. Ivery actively promotes the brand on Instagram, showcasing its popularity among celebrities.
He continues to support Ellen’s career
Chris Ivery continues to support his wife’s career despite the challenges of being married to a television star. Ellen mentioned in 2021, “He did say the other day. Don’t you think you could work a little less now?‘”
Additionally, while not enjoying Ellen’s love scenes on Grey’s Anatomy, Ivery expressed in a 2019 interview, “I would say I’m not jealous; I’m really confident, but it’s awkward.” Despite initial hesitation, Ellen stated in 2018 that her husband is “not at all intimidated by my drive,” highlighting his consistent encouragement and support.
Ellen’s husband has a criminal past
Chris Ivery has a criminal history dating back to when he was 19. In 1987, he faced charges of cocaine and marijuana possession with intent to sell. After missing probation hearings, he served three months in jail. Later, he incurred jail time for cocaine possession.
With two convictions, including one for accepting stolen property, he spent 15 months in a Pennsylvania federal prison, completing his sentence in 1995. In 1998, he faced intent-to-distribute charges, resulting in six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring. Afterwards, Chris underwent a positive transformation.
Chris disclosed his past to Ellen before their 2007 marriage, and while he has changed, a source shared with Closer Weekly that a part of Ellen remains cautious about potential issues resurfacing.
Chris and Ellen first met at a grocery store in 2003
Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery met in 2003 in a Los Angeles grocery store, two years before Grey’s Anatomy debuted. For six months, they were just friends. They discovered they had grown up within 10 miles of Boston, Massachusetts, but only crossed paths once they met in California as adults. As far as Pompeo was concerned, their relationship was written in the stars.
Chris and Ellen married secretly in 2007
In 2006, Chris Ivery proposed to Ellen Pompeo on her 37th birthday, following three years of dating. Pompeo’s engagement ring was a 3.5-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum, crafted by the jewellery designer Tacori.
Their private wedding occurred on November 9, 2007, in a quiet ceremony at city hall in Lower Manhattan. The ceremony was officiated by the former Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, who also served as a witness. Ellen mentioned that this intimate moment was the only private one she could carve out amidst her filming commitments for Grey’s Anatomy.
He has three children with Ellen
Ivery and Ellen share three children. Chris Ivery’s kids include Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery (born on September 15, 2009), Sienna May Pompeo Ivery (born in 2014), and Eli Christopher Pompeo Ivery (born on December 29, 2016). Notably, their second-born, Sienna May, was born through surrogacy.
In July 2022, the family made a rare public appearance at the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Women’s Show in Italy. Pompeo shared several photos on Instagram, showcasing the family adorned in Dolce & Gabbana attire, including a sweet snapshot of Ivery and Eli posing on a Vespa.
He shares a home with Ellen in Malibu
Where do Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery live? Ellen Pompeo’s family resides in a 3,000-square-foot home in Malibu, California. The actress had initially noticed the property for sale years prior but could not afford it at the time. However, in 2013, when the house was relisted, she successfully acquired it. The residence boasts scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
He and Ellen have a combined net worth of $70 million
Chris Ivery’s net worth, in conjunction with his wife Ellen Pompeo, is estimated at $70 million in 2023, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Ellen Pompeo’s net worth primarily stems from her portrayal of Meredith Grey on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, making her one of the highest-paid actresses globally. She earns approximately $20 million annually from the role, attributed to her $575,000 per episode salary, syndication royalties, and revenue.
Chris Ivery and Ellen have mastered sustaining their love over the years, navigating the demands of their careers. Despite the spotlight on him as a celebrity spouse, he has earned a reputable career in music production and is forging success with his clothing line. As they construct a wonderful family together, he remains a steadfast supporter of his wife, Ellen, contributing to their enduring bond.
