Ellen Pompeo reunited with Patrick Dempsey Friday to kickoff D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center, and the star was thrilled to finally see him in person, and his new hairdo!After the 52-year-old actress lent her hand and signature to commemorate her Disney Legend status, Pompeo spoke to ET's Will Marfuggi and opened up about scaling back her role as the iconic Meredith Grey on the hit ABC show.Pompeo's set to appear in only eight episodes for the upcoming 19th season of the medical drama, as she'll split time between that show while starring in and executive producing an eight-episode limited series, , for Hulu.

But, Greyfans need not worry. Pomepo says Grey's spirit will be as palpable as ever.«It's still Grey's, she's still there in spirit and that's the house that Grey built, so she's always there,» Pomeo said. «She just has to step away for a little bit to do a Hulu show.

It's a great company to work for and I'm really, really lucky that they've given me the opportunity to do both, and so I had to take it.»Pompeo, Dempsey, stars Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson as well as the late Chadwick Boseman were among the list of people also honored as Disney Legends, a notion Pompeo admits she didn't know existed but is nevertheless honored.«I didn't imagine anything like this but I'm really glad it happened,» she said. «I didn't know Disney Legends existed but I feel a little bit like a Disney princess.

Life started out a little rocky and here I am in a big ballgown.»While ET spoke with Pompeo on the red carpet, Dempsey was onstage lending his hand and signature for the big honor.

Ellen Pompeo on Stepping Back From 'Grey's Anatomy' and Reuniting With Patrick Dempsey at D23 Expo (Exclusive)

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