Ellen Pompeo, widely recognized for her role as Dr. Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, made a memorable guest appearance on the iconic sitcom Friends before her rise to fame. In Season 10, Episode 11, titled “The One Where the Stripper Cries,” which aired in February 2004, Pompeo portrayed Missy Goldberg, a college crush shared by characters Ross (David Schwimmer) and Chandler (Matthew Perry).
Although her role in the beloved sitcom was brief, it produced key moments that almost jeopardized the friendship between Ross and Chandler. During their college reunion, the duo runs into Missy, prompting Ross to ask her out despite a long-standing pact with Chandler to never date her. As comical chaos unfolds, Missy reveals her romantic history with Chandler, leaving Ross shocked, particularly when he finds out that Chandler had previously made out with her. The already complicated dynamics are further exacerbated by revelations about Ross’s own romantic history with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston).
The episode is filled with humorous twists, including Phoebe’s bachelorette party taking a disastrous turn when she insults a male stripper and Joey’s struggles as a contestant on the game show Pyramid. Pompeo’s cameo adds to the episode’s comedic value, providing a delightful glimpse of her talent before she became a household name.
Fast forward to today, Pompeo remains deeply committed to Grey’s Anatomy, which has become a television staple over the past two decades. As one of the highest-paid actresses on television in 2022, she scaled back her appearances but continues to contribute as the series’ narrator and executive producer. In a reflective interview, she emphasized her emotional and financial connections to the show, stating that leaving would benefit others while undermining her contribution over the last 20 years.
Pompeo’s enduring presence has been instrumental in keeping Grey’s Anatomy on the air for over 22 seasons, with its latest season premiering on October 9, 2025, and new episodes set to continue into January 2026. The show’s impact is underscored by its staggering streaming numbers, illustrating its significance in popular culture.
With her unique experiences spanning both Friends and Grey’s Anatomy, Pompeo’s journey highlights the evolution of television and the strong ties actors form with their projects. Fans of both series can catch up on Grey’s Anatomy on Hulu and Friends on HBO Max, giving them a chance to appreciate Pompeo’s growth in the entertainment industry.