When people hear the name Chris Ivery, it is often in connection with his wife, Ellen Pompeo, the actress who became a household name thanks to her iconic role as Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy. But behind the fame and television success lies a man with his own story, ambitions, and a life that intersects with Hollywood only through his marriage. Understanding Chris Ivery gives us a deeper appreciation of Ellen Pompeo’s life away from the cameras, and the quiet strength of their nearly two-decade-long relationship.
Quick Bio
| Name | Chris Ivery |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | February 4, 1968 |
| Age (2025) | 57 years old |
| Birthplace | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Height | Approximately 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Profession | Music producer, fashion and lifestyle executive |
| Notable Work | Co-writer of Rihanna’s “Cheers (Drink to That)” |
| Spouse | Ellen Pompeo (m. 2007) |
| Children | Stella Luna (2009), Sienna May (2014), Eli Christopher (2016) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $80 million (shared with Ellen Pompeo) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, Malibu estate, Hamptons properties |
| Known For | Marriage to Ellen Pompeo, career in music and fashion |
| Lifestyle | Private, family-centered, occasional public appearances |
| Social Media | Maintains a low profile; limited online presence |
Early Life and Age
Chris Ivery was born on February 4, 1968, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That makes him 57 years old in 2025. He grew up on the East Coast, in a community far removed from the lights of Los Angeles. While details of his early schooling and childhood are less publicized, his upbringing in Massachusetts shaped his down-to-earth personality and grounded outlook on life.
Standing at an athletic height and with a strong frame, Chris has often been described as carrying himself with calm confidence. Unlike his wife, who lives under the lens of media attention, Chris has remained largely private, giving few interviews and preferring to keep his personal story understated.
Career in Music
Before he was ever connected to fashion or business, Chris spent more than 25 years in the music industry. As a music producer and songwriter, he built a steady career behind the scenes. His most notable credit came when he co-wrote Rihanna’s popular track “Cheers (Drink to That),” featured on her Loud album. This credit gave him recognition in music circles, even if he never became a public figure himself.
For Chris, music was both creative outlet and profession. The work offered him longevity and income but also a space away from celebrity culture. Over two decades in such a competitive industry speaks to his persistence and adaptability.
Moving into Fashion and Marketing
In his fifties, Chris surprised many by shifting career paths. Rather than remaining solely in music, he entered the fashion world, taking on an executive role with Sergio Tacchini, a heritage athletic brand. He helped reposition the company with new lifestyle marketing strategies and contributed to the brand’s Los Angeles-focused relaunch.
Ellen Pompeo herself praised his reinvention, remarking how he “changed careers at 50 and killed it.” His move from music into fashion shows not only flexibility but also a willingness to embrace change and step into leadership roles beyond entertainment.
Meeting Ellen Pompeo
The couple’s story begins in 2003, not at a red carpet or industry gala, but in a Los Angeles grocery store. Their first meeting was ordinary, but it sparked a friendship that later deepened into romance. For several months, they were simply friends, but eventually, their bond grew stronger.
Chris proposed to Ellen in 2006 on her 37th birthday, giving her a platinum Tacori ring with a 3.5-carat emerald-cut diamond. The following year, they were married in a simple ceremony at New York City Hall, with then-mayor Michael Bloomberg serving as their witness. Ellen had long said she wanted a small, meaningful wedding, and that quiet approach reflected both their personalities.
Family and Children
Together, Chris and Ellen are parents to three children. Their first daughter, Stella Luna, was born in 2009. Five years later, in 2014, their second daughter, Sienna May, was born via surrogate. In 2016, their son, Eli Christopher, completed the family.
The couple is protective of their children’s privacy, rarely sharing details beyond occasional public appearances or rare social media glimpses. Ellen has spoken about her desire for her daughters, who are biracial, to grow up with strong role models and see themselves reflected in powerful images of Black women. She keeps magazines with successful Black women on display at home, ensuring her children grow up with pride in their identity.
Life Together and Private Balance
Despite Ellen’s demanding Hollywood career, Chris and Ellen have built a private and supportive family life. Chris has often said he never watched Grey’s Anatomy, a choice Ellen interprets as a healthy boundary between her work and their marriage. Their relationship thrives on this separation, with Ellen acknowledging that Chris’s independence helps them maintain balance.
Over the years, they have occasionally appeared together at high-profile events such as the Vanity Fair Oscars party or Ellen’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2025, where Chris and their children joined her to celebrate. These rare appearances give the public a glimpse into their unity, but for the most part, they keep their life centered around home and family.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimating Chris Ivery’s exact net worth is challenging since his finances are often considered in combination with Ellen’s. Some sources place his individual wealth at around $80 million, though this figure includes shared investments. Ellen herself is estimated to have a similar net worth thanks to her massive earnings from Grey’s Anatomy, production deals, and endorsements.
Together, the couple has invested in real estate, including luxury homes in Los Angeles, a Malibu estate, and a Hamptons farmhouse. They are known for designing and selling high-end properties, with Ellen in particular having an eye for real estate projects. Their lifestyle is comfortable and affluent but not defined by constant publicity. Instead, they focus on creating safe, beautiful spaces for their family.
Public Image and Personality
Chris has occasionally faced media attention, sometimes critical or unfair, which Ellen has addressed publicly. She has called out the racial bias in coverage of her husband, standing by him strongly and defending his character. This protective stance demonstrates their loyalty and partnership.
Physically, Chris is striking but understated, often appearing in sharp suits when attending events with Ellen. His style leans classic and minimal, fitting well with his preference to remain out of the spotlight. While Ellen’s career demands public attention, Chris embodies the opposite, stepping forward only when necessary.
Fun Facts About Chris Ivery
One interesting note is that Chris and Ellen grew up not far from each other in Massachusetts, though they never crossed paths until meeting later in Los Angeles. Ellen has said this makes their connection feel like fate. Chris’s midlife career reinvention is another unique trait, showing that it’s never too late to start something new. Ellen has often called him her favorite person, a testament to their bond.
He is also known for being protective of their family’s privacy, choosing to let Ellen be the public face while he enjoys a quieter existence. Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect and the ability to complement one another’s lives rather than compete for attention.
Conclusion
Chris Ivery is far more than the husband of a famous actress. He is a man who has built a life across industries, navigated fame with resilience, and embraced fatherhood and partnership with commitment. His marriage to Ellen Pompeo remains one of Hollywood’s more enduring love stories, marked by privacy, balance, and genuine respect. Together, they remind us that while celebrity can be dazzling, the strongest relationships are built on quiet trust, shared values, and unwavering support.
READ MORE: How Tall Is Salish Matter? Age, Family, and Fun Facts You Should Know
FAQs
Who is Ellen Pompeo’s husband?
Ellen Pompeo’s husband is Chris Ivery, a former music producer and now fashion and lifestyle executive.
How old is Chris Ivery?
He was born on February 4, 1968, which makes him 57 years old in 2025.
Do Chris Ivery and Ellen Pompeo have children?
Yes, they have three children: Stella Luna, Sienna May, and Eli Christopher.
What does Chris Ivery do now?
After a long career in music, he now works in fashion marketing, most notably with Sergio Tacchini.
What is Chris Ivery’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $80 million, much of which is shared with Ellen Pompeo’s successful earnings and real estate ventures.
