(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ellen Pompeo has joked shes terrified her daughter will pick up bad language from her.

The 41-year-old American actress shot to international fame playing Meredith Grey in hit US hospital drama Grey's Anatomy.

As well as being a successful actress, Ellen is mother to 17-month-old Stella, her daughter with record producer husband Chris Ivery.

The proud parent is thrilled to say Stella has recently started walking and talking, although she admits shes a little nervous the little girl may inherit some bad habits from her, notably a fondness for rude words.

"[It's] terrifying because who knows what she'll pick up out of my mouth?!" laughed Ellen in an interview with Extra.

The star has been a married woman since 2007, and says she and Chris are still in the honeymoon period. In terms of keeping up the romance, Ellen admits it isnt difficult when she has such a hunky partner to come home to every night.

Have you seen my husband? He's so cute! she gushed when asked how she keeps her marriage alive. (C) Cover Media