Ellen Pompeo Stars in Natalia Grace-Inspired ‘Good American Family’ Trailer
Ellen Pompeo, of Grey’s Anatomy fame, stars as mother Kristine Barnett, eager to adopt a young child in Hulu’s Good American Family. In a trailer released Wednesday, her wish comes true when an adoption center calls about Natalia Grace, a young girl with dwarfism.
“It’s a tragedy, really,” Pompeo says in the trailer. “We’re her second adoptive family. The first one gave her back.”
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But as those familiar with the real-life story know, things quickly take a turn. Good American Family, created by Katie Robbins, follows a Midwestern couple who adopts and welcomes Natalia Grace into their home alongside their three biological children. As the series ensues, Natalia’s age and background become contentious issues. Doctors describe Natalia as having adult teeth, and school staff question her school records. As the family begins to doubt the truth, they picture Natalia as an intruder in their home.
“Something is off; she has adult teeth; there are signs of puberty,” Pompeo says. “I don’t think she’s a little girl.”
According to the series synopsis, the drama is “told from multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias, and trauma. “
The drama series draws inspiration from the real-life Kristine and Michael Barnett, who adopted the Ukrainian-born Natalia Grace in 2010. The Barnetts claimed that Natalia, who was diagnosed with the dwarfism condition spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, was an adult and terrorized their family for three years. The Barnetts were charged in 2019 with neglect of a dependent. Michael was acquitted of the charges in October 2022, and Kristine’s charges were dismissed in March 2023. The revelations around her life have played out in the ID docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, which released its third and final season last month.
Other cast members in Good American Family include Mark Duplass and Imogen Faith Reid who play Michael Barnett and Natalia Grace, respectively. Dulé Hill, Christina Hendricks, Sarayu Blue, and Jenny O’Hara will star in recurring guest roles. The series premieres on March 19.
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