Sandra Oh
Less than three months away from leaving Grey's Anatomy for good, Sandra Oh is feeling quite punchy on the set of the ABC medical drama. "I don't listen to you anymore," she playfully tells a crew member who comes to collect her from the ambulance bay to start shooting a scene. "Yes, I'm acting out! Can you tell?" A lot of fans have felt the same way ever since it was announced that Oh would leave the hallowed halls of Grey Sloan Memorial last summer.
The cast of Grey's Anatomy says farewell to Sandra Oh
It's natural to feel a sense of loss when any TV character exits a series, but Cristina Yang isn't your garden variety character. Cold, cocky and complex, the highly intelligent Yang has always been stubborn and highly competitive so much so that there was even a brief moment where Yang and her twisted sister Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) were enemies before they cemented one of the most influential friendships in television history. But Oh also brought heart and humanity to the role that earned her Golden Globe and SAG awards, as well as multiple Emmy nominations.
Even though it's not her character's name in the show title, some fans feel that there's no Grey's Anatomy without Oh, making them all the more nervous for her exit in the upcoming Season 10 finale (Thursday, 9/8c). But what some fans might not know is that Oh almost wasn't cast on Grey's in the first place. Initially, the actress went out for the role of Bailey, now played by Chandra Wilson, but the character "didn't resonate with me," Oh says, explaining that she later learned that the role of the ambitious Cristina Yang was still open. Per executive producer Shonda Rhimes' request, Oh met with Rhimes before the studio audition and practiced her scene a few times for Rhimes, her producing partner Betsy Beers and pilot director Peter Horton, thenplanned to return later for the actual audition.
Grey's Anatomy: Watch 30 of the best Cristina Yang moments!
"I hadn't auditioned yet and I get a call from my manager," Oh says. "She said, 'You've got to go. Leave the audition. You need to leave.' As it happens in deals, a lot of times you have to sign a deal before you audition. It's very stressful and very, very difficult. They weren't able to close a deal, so they told me to leave." Of course, we all know the story has a happy ending. "I don't know how many days later, they offered me the part. It was amazing... It was just one of those moments where you play chicken and you don't move or you do and you walk away."
Now, nearly a decade later, Oh, 42, is facing actually saying goodbye to a character that she's given nearly a quarter of her life to. "It's going to be super easy," Oh deadpans, saying that the reality of the situation probably won't hit her until six months after she leaves the show. "It's like leaving a major relationship in your life. It takes a while to process it out."
Grey's Anatomy Exclusive: Check out an explosive season finale sneak peek
With only five episodes left to film when TVGuide.com visited the set, the actress was trying to enjoy every minute she had left. "I just feel much more present with it," she told us. "There are some times where you take it for granted that you're going to have another OR scene, but you never know. The days that are just so fun and wonderful, it's like I could do this forever. And then there are certain things where I feel like I have to grow. The feeling is sad and happy and everything in between. I can't even put it into words. But mostly it's about being present and enjoying it and being grateful for every moment."
See more here:
Grey's Anatomy: Sandra Oh Bids an Emotional Farewell to Cristina Yang
- Anatomy of a Fly - SIFF 2009 Fly Documentary - Video [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2013]
- Grey's Anatomy Sneak Peek 9.11 - The End is the Beginning is the End (6) - Video [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2013]
- Anatomy of the sangeet! - Video [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2013]
- Go Anatomy for iPad - Video [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2013]
- Grey's Anatomy - Callie and Arizona "We don't have to move yet" 9x16 - Video [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2013]
- Imaging of Petrous bone anatomy (Sep 2013) - Dr Mamdouh Mahfouz (In Arabic) - Video [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2014]
- Anatomy in the Yahoo! Directory [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2014]
- Let's Play Minecraft - Episode 87 - Geoff's Anatomy - Video [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2014]
- Cat Anatomy Pg. 25 Lab Notes - Video [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2014]
- Spinal Pathways Tracts Part 1 Introduction Anatomy Tutorial - Video [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2014]
- Galway health app firm joins US academy [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy season 10 episode 18 airs tonight: Power through [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy Recap: A Vicious Viral Infection Puts Everyone At Risk [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy Recap: "You Be Illin'" [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy season 10, episode 19 stills show Cristinas big moment [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Review: 'Your Inner Fish' on PBS imparts smart human anatomy lesson [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Fantastically Creepy Images and Tales From The Morbid Anatomy Anthology [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Step Brothers- Anatomy Movements - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Matt Lloyd: Anatomy of a $315k / Month Business - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Guitar Anatomy | Minute Music School - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Anatomy Mnemonics - Chapter 3 : Nervous System - DoctorKC - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Bates Motel: Anatomy of a Scene: Bradley Shoots Gil (S2) - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Innovation at Stanford Anatomy - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- The science of anatomy is undergoing a revival [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy: Will Alex Really Leave Grey Sloan Memorial? [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy season 10 episode 19 airs tonight: A major award [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Anatomy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- anatomy man 3d visual effects - Video [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Talk about human anatomy - part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Bootstraps - I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Video [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy Recap: Cristinas Career Hits A Major Milestone [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy season 10, episode 20 stills, synopsis: Trouble in paradise? [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Anatomy - New World Encyclopedia - Info:Main Page - New ... [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- anatomy (biology) -- Encyclopedia Britannica [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Jean Sives ITEC Anatomy and Physiology Testimonial - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Grey Text Anatomy - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- The Devil Wears Prada - Anatomy (HD GUITAR COVER) - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- 'Joe' | Anatomy of a Scene w/ Director David Gordon Green | The New York Times - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- 'Fame' by Mree (Grey's Anatomy 10x19) - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Tessa Ferrer Joins the Cast of Extant! Grey's Anatomy Cast-Off Books New Gig on CBS' Summer Series - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Brain anatomy differences between deaf, hearing depend on first language learned [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Captain America Winter Soldier | Anatomy of a Movie - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy After Show Season 1 Episode 13 "I'm Winning" | AfterBuzz TV - Video [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Spoiler Chat: Scoop on Grey's Anatomy, Orphan Black, The Mindy Project, The Blacklist and More [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Anatomy of a recall [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- NBME Shelf Exam - Case Files Series App - Anatomy - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Radius and ulna - Anatomy tutorial (Preview) | Kenhub - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy Season 10 Spoilers: Finale Teases Traumatic Ending; Will Cristina Yang Be Killed Off In Episode 24? [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy season 10, episode 20 airs tonight: Having faith [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- (WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS) Game of Thrones Season 4: Anatomy of a Scene - The Royal Wedding (HBO) - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Heart anatomy - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Heart anatomy 3 Left & Right pulmonary veins, ascending aorta, left common carotid - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Heart anatomy 2 tricuspid valve, bicuspid valve - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Flash Brain Anatomy Review - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Anatomy of the 2014 Birdathon [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy Season 10 Spoilers: Episode 23 And 24 Titles Leaked Online; Song-Based Titles Gives Fans Clues Of ... [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy Recap: Does Cristina Yang Win The Harper-Avery Award? [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy season 10, episode 20 recap: Making mistakes [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy Recap: "Go It Alone" [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy: April & Jackson Need To Make Their Marriage Work [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy Music Season 10x20 Aron Wright Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy Cast - How To Save A Life - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- ReVamp - The Anatomy Of A Nervous Breakdown: On The Sideline - Philly 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- Twisted Mind Anatomy - Don't Run Away EP - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- Anatomy of a Landscape trailer - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- Advanced Anatomy - Video [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2014]
- anatomy study - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- |An anatomy of a Rabbit - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy 10x21 "Change Of Heart" - Farewell to Cristina - ABC HD promo #1 - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Anatomy of Cosplay: LIVE Q&A (with Sam & Mae!) - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- DJ Tennis - Anatomy (North Lake Remix) - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- ITEC Anatomy & Physiology Testimonial by Kerry Howard - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- The anatomy of a sexuality class [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Human body - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- 'Fading Gigolo' | Anatomy of a Scene w/ Director John Turturro | The New York Times - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Guitar Anatomy - Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Anatomy Scan At 19Weeks 3Days - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy After Show Season 10 Episode 20 "Go It Alone" | AfterBuzz TV - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Grey's Anatomy 10x21 Promo | Grey's Anatomy Season 10 Episode 21 Promo| Grey's Anatomy S10E21 Promo - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Greys Anatomy Season 10 Spoilers: Cristina Yang To Make A Life Or Death Decision In Episode 21; Who Will She Save ... [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2014]