Ellen Pompeo, star of the TV series Grey's Anatomy and one of the brightest television stars of the past two decades, has received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Pompeo is the long-time lead character in the hit medical drama. In addition to playing Meredith Grey, she is also an executive producer on the series, which was recently renewed for its 22nd season.

The award-winning actress said she reflected on the significance of the moment.

"The business and this city change so much, and I just hope, for the sake of it, for the spirit of it, that we can continue traditions like this and somehow try to keep this city alive and this industry alive in this city, because this is, literally, the boulevard of dreams," she said at the ceremony.

Pompeo has spent 21 seasons on "Grey's Anatomy" and emphasized her gratitude to the fans.

"I want to say that the fans know how much we appreciate them. I speak on behalf of everyone at 'Grey's.' We are forever indebted to our fans. We are so grateful to them," she emphasized.

Those who have also been on this journey understand the impact she has had.

"Millions of young girls around the world went to college and got involved, invested in the medical profession because of you," said actress Debbie Allen, who spoke at the ceremony.

"You are a living, breathing icon, and while you don't need a star to tell you that, it's certainly nice to see the truth written in stone," said Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes.

Before starring in "Grey's Anatomy," Pompeo appeared in an episode of "Friends" as well as in films such as "The Devil's Own," "The Good Old Days," and alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "Catch Me If You Can."

In 2007, she received a Golden Globe nomination for her role and was awarded the 2007 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. | BGNES