10 Best Ellen Pompeo moments from movies that we can't forget

Ellen Pompeo is best known as Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy, but the story of the actor's pre-Grey days makes for quite an interesting one. Topics in those bygone years included the pre-Grey television life and an assortment of picture movies- Pompeo so versatile-to several lesser-known roles. Her television legacy might be hard to argue against; however, her movies provide the opportunity to sneak a peek into her early years of talent- her early days of being an ever-potential star.

Ellen made her mark in all her early films, from the presence of charm in Old School to a quickie yet memorable glimpse in Catch Me If You Can to lending emotional depth to the character in Moonlight Mile. Some of the movies would now be considered classics by her fans on a nostalgic tour to watch her evolution as an actor. Some are heartwarming; others are tension-filled, yet all celebrate why she continues to be one of Hollywood's darlings.

Here is a collection of Ellen Pompeo's best film moments- quick scenes that remind us of her unimaginable versatility and why she will always be unforgettable on and off the small screen.

1. Moonlight Mile (2002)

Ellen Pompeo gave one of her most underappreciated performances in Moonlight Mile as Bertie, a woman with her own issues to overcome. The moment that stands out is when she makes a beautiful confession of love, loss, and moving on. Her on-screen chemistry with Jake Gyllenhaal made the scene so emotionally charged, demonstrating her capability of drawing attention even in crowded scenes. Although the film itself is still a secret treasure, Pompeo's subtle performance had a lasting effect on viewers. Through the years, fans have rediscovered this character, admiring the rough vulnerability she embodied on screen well before she took on Meredith Grey.

2. Old School (2003)

As Luke Wilson's love interest, Nicole, Ellen Pompeo brought charm and wit to the raunchy humor of Old School. Her best scene is when she finally stands up for herself and refuses to be taken advantage of. Although the film was mostly a male-oriented comedy, Pompeo left her mark by providing Nicole with a strong presence rather than being a mere sidekick. Even in a light atmosphere, she displayed her skill for balancing comedy and sincerity. In retrospect, Old School was a stepping stone towards bigger roles for her, and it demonstrated that she could handle more than drama performances.

3. Daredevil (2003)

Not many are aware that Ellen Pompeo first portrayed Karen Page, Matt Murdock's (Ben Affleck) secretary, in Daredevil. Sadly, she had most of her scenes excised from the theatrical version, leaving us to see only a glimpse of her in the final cut. But in the extended cut, there is a scene where Karen is visibly concerned with Matt and shows promise of the potent chemistry they might have shared. Fans were frustrated that her character was reduced, but in hindsight, this was a blessing in disguise. If she had remained in the Marvel Universe, she might not have been able to get Grey's Anatomy, which made her famous.

4. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Even though she only had a short cameo in Catch Me If You Can, Ellen Pompeo's character "Marci" left her imprint on that film. Marci, a flight attendant charmed by the conspicuous schemes of Leonardo DiCaprio's Frank Abagnale Jr., is lighthearted while flirting with Frank, completely oblivious to the fact that he is a conman. Although it was a small role, it became one more step up the ladder in Pompeo's career that showed she could hold an audience's attention even with limited screen time. Fans today rewatch the film and are often surprised to spot her in this early project.

5. Art Heist (2004)

In Art Heist, Pompeo brought a more intense role as Sandra Walker, an art investigator caught in a dangerous web of deception. One of the best moments is when she summarizes a critical clue that leads to an intense confrontation. Unlike all her previous on-screen representations of romantic and comic roles, this allowed her to come out with a character much action packed and investigative. Even as Art Heist gazed outside the windows of public interest, it was this performance by Pompeo that revealed she handles thrillers as well as dramas.

6. Life of the Party (2005)

Pompeo is the object of affection of a man having trouble with growing up. The highlight is when her character gives a reality check regarding dreams and responsibility, something that struck a chord with many viewers. Although Life of the Party did not find success with mainstream audiences, Pompeo's naturalistic acting shone through. The movie was one of her final film appearances before fully committing to Grey's Anatomy, so it's an under-the-radar gem for her fans. In retrospect, it's amazing to view how she juggled smaller movies before transitioning to television superstardom.

7. Undermind (2003)

In Undermind, Pompeo embodies Flynn, a woman stranded within a psychological thriller exploring alternate realities. Her defining moment arises when she clashes with her disturbing truth: it is then she spirals into an emotional collapse. Being a not-so-popular feature, it did serve to demonstrate Pompeo's ability to handle complicated stories. Watching the film now, followers will see foreshadows of the emotional depth she brings forth later as Meredith Grey. It is a must for anyone who wants to see her show her range away from Hollywood blockbusters.

8. In the Weeds (2000)

Ellen Pompeo stars in the indie dramedy In the Weeds as Martha, a waitress whose life involves a bit of chaos heavy on restaurant life. Her best scene is where Pompeo carries lively, fast-paced dialogue, interspersing rapid-fire one-liners while juggling a whole slew of demanding customers. This is a real proud moment capturing her effortless charm and comedic timing, proving she could shine even with an ensemble cast. True, the film itself is still pretty much under the radar, but a Pompeo performance is enough for it to be talked about, giving fans a glimpse into her earlier versatility.

9. Strong Medicine (2001)

Before Ellen Pompeo became a household name, she made a memorable guest appearance on the medical-oriented show Strong Medicine. Ellen appeared as the young woman struggling with devastating news and delivered an emotionally raw performance truly presaging her eventual success in Grey's Anatomy. One of her painful moments came when frustration and fear paralyzed her, bringing the audience to a point of feeling her pain. Even if it was merely a guest appearance, she knew how to leave a mark. All the while, it is so interesting to think that even that first small medical drama appearance could be considered a hint for the career-making role that would turn her into a television icon.

10. Coming Soon (1999)

Before Grey's Anatomy, before the serious Hollywood productions, there came Coming Soon, a teenage comedy with a minor yet entertaining role for Pompeo. The film was all about the antics surrounding a group of teenagers involved in relationships, and Pompeo's character brought a certain sweet, joyous spirit to this cauldron of teenage angst. This was her stealing moment in the film, delivering one of the wittiest, most sarcastic lines that took the audience's breath away. Although it was not a star-making role, it marked one of Pompeo's earliest appearances on screen.