Paging Dr. Cristina Yang! During The New York Times' The Interview LIVE event, held grandly at the Indeed Theater within Spring Studios on June 12, Sandra Oh engaged in a riveting conversation with co-host Lulu Garcia-Navarro. The topic of discussion? Whether the acclaimed actress might reprise her role as the enigmatic doctor on Grey's Anatomy, a whopping 11 years after her heartfelt departure.
"As I reflect on the decade since I left the show," Oh, now 53, revealed with poignant sincerity, "I am deeply touched by the profound admiration that the fans hold for Cristina. It is this outpouring of love that has made me pause and think, 'Wow, they really, really, really want her back.' And for the very first time, I began to entertain the possibility."
However, Oh's thoughts took a reflective turn. "But to truly honor those who cherish your work," she continued thoughtfully, "one must remain true to oneself. At this juncture, I don't believe it's meant to be."
Oh, who garnered five Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe for her exceptional portrayal on Grey's Anatomy, hasn't stepped back into the hospital's halls since bidding farewell in 2014. Over the years, her stance on a potential return has wavered like the tides.
Yet, Cristina Yang's presence has lingered in the show's narrative, woven subtly through on-screen mentions, phone conversations, and written missives to her colleagues. Notably, a body double stood in for Oh when Dr. Yang made a poignant appearance to lend support to her best friend, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), at the somber funeral of her husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey).
Oh was a cornerstone of Grey's Anatomy when it premiered in 2005, an ensemble that also included Pompeo, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Isaiah Washington, and Dempsey.
Since her exit, Oh's career has flourished, starring in series like American Crime, The Chair, Invincible, and the critically acclaimed Killing Eve, for which she garnered another Golden Globe for her portrayal of Eve Polastri. She has also dazzled on the big screen in films such as Catfight, Raya and the Last Dragon, Turning Red, Umma, and Quiz Lady, the latter earning her an Emmy.
Grey's Anatomy, the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, recently wrapped up its 21st season with a bang and is gearing up for its 22nd season this fall on ABC.
