Connect with us

Entertainment

Ellen Pompeo Won’t Let Her ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Costars Root Against the Chiefs on February 3, 2024 at 7:48 pm Us Weekly

Published

on

Ellen Pompeo FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Taylor Swift named her cat after Ellen Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy character — and now the actress is returning the loyalty.

After Grey’s cast members Anthony Hill and Harry Shum Jr. took to social media on Saturday, February 3, to share a funny video of them on set arguing over who should win Super Bowl LVIII, Pompeo, 54, who portrays Dr. Meredith Grey on the series and serves as producer, quickly made it clear that all support must be directed one place — behind Swift’s boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

“@harryshumjr you know I LOVE YOU … BUT listen up fam … we have a problem… we are Swifties … Sorry I meant Chiefs fans over here at @greysabc,” she joked. “We are going to have to have a talk. Sincerely, your boss .”

Advertisement

Hill, 36, who backed the Kansas City Chiefs in the video, immediately made it clear he appreciated the support, writing, “@ellenpompeo let him knowwww! ,” while Shum Jr., who is a 49ers fan, simply replied, “@ellenpompeo .”

Related: Every Star Who’s Left ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Where Are They Now?

Advertisement
The night … was March 27, 2005. Television titan Shonda Rhimes knew what she had just created — but audiences still had no idea. The Grey’s Anatomy pilot introduced several characters, including the show’s protagonist, legacy surgical resident Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). Spunky, undoubtedly intelligent and full of heart, the show wouldn’t survive without its […]

In the clip, Hill and Shum Jr. ditched their lab coats to don their respective team’s swag, standing face to face in a staredown before they both broke into fits of laughter. “There will be Gold, Red and Yellow blood shed over here Bit of a @49ers vs @chiefs rivalry with @anthilll on set of @greysabc —- #superbowl #49ers #chiefs #Sport #BTS #nfl,” the costars captioned the joint Instagram post.

Elsewhere in the comments section, fellow Grey’s star Chris Carmack quipped that they are in for a “relaxing week on set … ,” while Jake Borelli asked, “Is this a basketball reference?”

Despite Pompeo’s strict Swiftie rules, the official 49ers Instagram account couldn’t help but also comment, writing, “We see you Dr. Kwan! ,” referring to Shum Jr.’s character, Benson “Blue” Kwan. The Grey’s Anatomy Instagram, meanwhile, was simply confused: “Don’t remember this in the script ,” they added.

The 49ers and the Chiefs secured their Super Bowl LVIII spots on Sunday, January 28, after they defeated the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, respectively. The teams will now face off in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11, marking their second Super Bowl matchup in four years. (The Chiefs ultimately defeated the 49ers in 2020 31-20.)

Advertisement

The Chiefs have been an especially popular team this season due to Swift, 34, and Kelce’s romance, which began in summer 2023. The pop star has been to 12 of the athlete’s games since they got together and was on the field to celebrate his AFC championship win last week. She’s also expected to show up and support Kelce at the Super Bowl, despite wrapping up her four-concert stint in Tokyo one day prior.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harry Shum Jr (@harryshumjr)

Advertisement

While Swift has caused a new demographic to flock to the NFL this season, Pompeo has a deeper reason to show her support for the singer. The pair have a longstanding friendship that began with Swift naming her first cat after Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy character in 2015.

“Her name is Meredith — Meredith Grey because she’s a gray cat, and because I love Grey’s Anatomy!” the Grammy winner exclusively told Us Weekly in 2015. “She’s awesome. She’s like one of those cats that give cats a good name. She doesn’t hide under furniture and get weird around people. She’s really friendly and fun and she’s perfect for the road because she doesn’t ever get freaked out. So I’m really glad that she has a cool personality.”

Later that year, Pompeo made an appearance in Swift’s “Bad Blood” music video, where she portrayed a member of her girl gang out for revenge. When Swift hit the road for her worldwide Eras Tour in March 2023, Pompeo was one of the first celebrities in the audience.

Advertisement

Related: Where Taylor Swift Stands With the ‘Bad Blood’ Music Video Cast Today

Once upon a time, several eras ago, Taylor Swift assembled a coalition of models, actresses and musicians for the “Bad Blood” music video, which premiered at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2015. Some of the featured stars were Swift’s besties, like her to-this-day ride-or-die Selena Gomez and her who-knows-what-exactly-happened-there former friend Karlie Kloss. Other […]

“That’s a wrap @Taylorswift,” she captioned a photo of herself and her daughters, Stella and Sienna, after the Las Vegas show.

Pompeo has portrayed Meredith Grey on the ABC medical drama since 2005. She announced in September 2022 that she would be reducing her role to film other projects, but she has continued to narrate the episodes, make guest appearances and serves as producer on both Grey’s and its Station 19 spinoff. (Station 19’s upcoming seventh season will be its last.)

Advertisement

Super Bowl LVIII airs on CBS and Paramount+ Sunday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Grey’s Anatomy season 20 premieres on ABC Thursday, March 14, at 8 p.m. ET.

Taylor Swift named her cat after Ellen Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy character — and now the actress is returning the loyalty. After Grey’s cast members Anthony Hill and Harry Shum Jr. took to social media on Saturday, February 3, to share a funny video of them on set arguing over who should win Super Bowl LVIII, 

​   Us Weekly Read More 

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

California Bans AI Clones from Replacing Real Talent

Published

on

California just made a dramatic stand for human creativity, defeating the threat of AI actor clones with a sweeping new law that puts people—not algorithms—back in the Hollywood spotlight. With the stroke of Governor Gavin Newsom’s pen in October 2025, the state has sent a clear message to studios, tech companies, and the world: entertainment’s heart belongs to those who create and perform, not to digital facsimiles.

California Draws a Hard Line: No More AI Clones

For months, the entertainment industry has been divided over the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Studios, lured by promises of cost-cutting and creative flexibility, have invested in software that can mimic an actor’s face, voice, and even emotional range. But for performers, this wave of synthetic reproduction has triggered alarm—encouraged by chilling stories of deepfakes, unauthorized digital doubles, and contracts that let studios reuse a star’s likeness indefinitely, sometimes without pay or approval.

The new California law, anchored by AB 2602 and AB 1836, changes everything:

  • Every contract must explicitly detail how studios can use digital replicas or voice models, preventing once-common “blank check” agreements that overlooked this risk.
  • No one—not studios nor streaming giants—can create or release AI-generated clones of an actor, living or dead, without clear, written consent from the performer or their estate.
  • The law gives families new powers to defend loved ones from posthumous deepfake exploitation, closing painful loopholes that once let virtual versions of late icons appear in new ads, films, or games.

Actors Celebrate a Major Victory

The legislation rides the momentum of the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, where real-life talent demanded control over their own digital destinies. Leaders say these protections will empower artists to negotiate fair contracts and refuse participation in projects that cross ethical lines, restoring dignity and choice in an industry threatened by silent algorithms.

Stars, unions, and advocacy groups are hailing the law as the most robust defense yet against unwanted AI replications.

As one actor put it, “This isn’t just about money—it’s about identity, legacy, and respect for real artists in a synthetic age.”

A New Chapter for the Entertainment Industry

California’s move isn’t just a victory for local talent—it’s a warning shot to studios everywhere. Companies will now be forced to rethink production pipelines, consult legal counsel, and obtain proper clearance before digitally cloning anyone. Global entertainment platforms and tech developers will need to comply if they want to do business in the world’s entertainment capital.

These laws also set a template likely to ripple through other creative fields, from musicians whose voices can be synthesized to writers whose work could be mimicked by generative AI. For now, California performers finally have a powerful shield, ready to fight for the right to shape their own public image.

Conclusion: Human Talent Takes Center Stage

With its no-nonsense ban on AI actor clones, California draws a bold line, championing the work, likeness, and very humanity of its creative stars. It’s a landmark step that forces the entertainment industry to choose: respect real talent, or face real consequences. The age of the consentless digital double is over—human performers remain the true source of Hollywood magic.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Chaos and Comedy: Darby Kingman’s “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog”

Published

on

Darby Kingman’s “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog” redefines summer camp comedy with a wild, energetic story about ambition, chaos, and the joy of embracing the unexpected. The film centers on a relentlessly competitive camp counselor who’s determined to finish first—only to face a motley crew of unruly campers and a summer unlike any other.

As Darby puts it, “Not everything is that deep. It really honestly was to make people laugh. She has all these kids that are not working with her and she’s just losing her mind. It’s crazy, silly, goofy, and it was a blast.”

What started as a simple scene for Darby’s acting reel evolved into a full-fledged film with encouragement from her mentor at Debbie Reynolds Acting School. Darby dove into every role—writing, directing, starring, and meticulously preparing each prop and costume. “Plan and prepare, but also be flexible and ready to be in the moment—that’s when the magic happens,” she advises.

Working with a handpicked cast of her own dance students, Darby built an atmosphere of real teamwork and camaraderie. She credits the “precious” energy of her young cast, her creative director of photography, and the overall spirit of her production team for turning the project into something bigger than herself. Her experience is an inspiring blueprint for indie filmmakers:

“Take initiative and control of your career. You can’t just sit around and wait for somebody to pick you. Figure out what you’re good at and go for it. Create something that brings joy to others.”

Her production motto? “Preparation is key, but you have to be ready to go with the flow—that’s when the magic happens.” Darby’s fearless creativity, focus on collaboration, and love for comedy shine throughout “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog.” It’s more than just a camp satire—it’s a heartfelt testament to hard work, original humor, and leadership from the ground up: “People need to laugh right now. That’s a win.”

Catch “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog” and experience Darby’s infectious energy and comic genius at the Deluxe Theatre on November 1, 2025. Get your tickets now at Houstoncomedyfilmfestival.com.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Diane Keaton Dies at 79

Published

on

The world of film and entertainment is mourning the loss of Diane Keaton, an Oscar-winning actress renowned for her enduring talent, individuality, and influence on generations of performers and fans. Keaton died at the age of 79 in California on Saturday, October 11, 2025, her family confirmed. Details remain private, with her family requesting privacy as they grieve this profound loss.

A Distinctive Talent

Diane Keaton rose to fame in the 1970s through a series of memorable roles, most notably as Kay Adams in “The Godfather” trilogy and as the quirky, unforgettable lead in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall,” for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performances in films like “The First Wives Club,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and the “Book Club” series solidified her reputation as an actress with unique comedic timing and dramatic depth. Keaton was celebrated not only for her artistry but also for her androgynous fashion sense, characterized by menswear-inspired looks, hats, and an easy, effortless style that influenced generations.

Legacy and Tributes

Following the news of her passing, tributes poured in from Hollywood and beyond. Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Jane Fonda were among the countless stars who expressed devastation and admiration for Keaton’s incomparable legacy. Hawn recalled their friendship and collaborations, writing: “Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you…you stole the hearts of the world and shared your genius with millions”. Midler echoed the sentiment, praising Keaton as “brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary” and a truly original presence in Hollywood.

Private Struggles and Final Months

Though fiercely independent and known for her openness, Keaton kept her declining health private in her final months. Friends and neighbors noticed her retreat from public life and social media, and she was recently seen less often in her Brentwood neighborhood. In the past, Keaton candidly discussed her ongoing battles with skin cancer and bulimia, openly advocating for personal health and authenticity.

Remembering Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton leaves behind a legacy defined by her fearless performances, unique style, and enduring influence on the arts. She is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke. As Hollywood and her global fanbase mourn, her pioneering spirit and unmistakable voice will continue to inspire generations.

Continue Reading

Trending