Sandra Oh starred as Cristina in Grey’s Anatomy for ten seasons but, in a twist, she didn’t technically audition for the role, landing it anyway. When showrunner Shonda Rhimes was casting actors for the pilot episode in 2005, Oh was considered and got the chance to audition, but left before the audition took place. She still ended up getting the role, however, and played the beloved character for a decade.
During a recent interview (via Vanity Fair), Sandra Oh spoke about how she got the part of Cristina. When Rhimes was looking for actors to star in the Grey’s Anatomy pilot in 2005, a pilot episode was all there was. ABC had yet to order more of the show, and even when execs eventually did, it was only a six-episode season. Oh had been in several television films before and was booking roles regularly, but she had yet to have her big breakout role. In a twist of fate, her Grey’s Anatomy character Cristina Yang ended up becoming one of her most well-known roles.
Why Sandra Oh's Managers Told Her To Walk From The Audition
When Oh went to audition for the role of Cristina Yang, she came in early to workshop the character with Rhimes. When it came time for the actual audition, though, her team called her and told her to walk out because they felt ABC couldn’t give Oh the deal she deserved. Despite leaving before the audition had technically begun, Rhimes had seen her act as Cristina while they were workshopping the role. Oh explained that she said no, "but then Shonda said ‘I want her.'" By turning down the role at first, Oh got the deal she deserved, and her preparation and devotion that she displayed got her cast in Grey’s Anatomy.
How Grey's Anatomy Would Have Been Different Without Sandra Oh
Cristina Yang was one of the most important characters on Grey’s Anatomy, right along with titular character Meredith Grey. A fantastic surgeon and a career-oriented, competitive person, Cristina was Meredith’s best friend until the character moved to Switzerland to justify Oh’s exit from the show. Oh’s performance as Cristina earned her five Emmy nominations in a row. She played a key character and greatly contributed to the show’s success with her performance.
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