Grey’s Anatomy favorite Sandra Oh has opened up about her decision to leave the long-running medical drama eight years ago.
The show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, expressed that Sandra’s leaving was “bittersweet” and hinted that she would miss her, which undoubtedly made it even harder for the actress.
Since she has become an even bigger star across four seasons of Killing Eve, the Netflix series The Chair, and a significant role in Pixar’s latest delight, Turning Red, why did Oh split from the comfort of playing Dr. Cristina Yang?
Why Did Sandra Oh Leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Sandra Oh desired to explore new acting opportunities and take on different roles after being a part of “Grey’s Anatomy” for ten seasons. She wanted to challenge herself with other characters and projects.
Sandra Oh, on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, talked openly about how being famous affected her. She had a conversation with Jung Ho-Yeon, who’s in Squid Game, and she said her life changed a lot when Grey’s Anatomy became famous in 2005.
Sandra Oh clarified, “Honestly, I became sick. I think my whole body was very, very sick. Even though you keep on working, right?” She continued, “It is like, ‘Oh, I cannot sleep. Oh, my back hurts. I do not know what’s wrong with my skin.’ I discovered that I had to take care of my health first. But that is not only your body, right? That is your soul.”
Sandra Oh played Dr. Cristina Yang for ten seasons on Grey’s Anatomy before leaving the show in 2014 to do hopefully less stressful projects.
Could Sandra Oh Return to Grey’s Anatomy?
Sandra Oh left Grey’s Anatomy, but since she didn’t die, Sandra always had a chance that she could return to the series if she wanted to. It is almost certain the show would welcome her back if she wanted to return.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several cast members returned – even dead characters – thanks to Meredith’s hallucinations. There was also the moment when Cristina, the character, sent a letter to Addison and Bailey. This happened in season 19, episode 16, where Cristina sent supplies for Addison’s PRT. Could this mean the return of Sandra Oh?
This was the first time in years that anyone even mentioned Cristina since she left for Switzerland. The last time anyone said her name was in season 17, when she texted Owen, asking for updates on Meredith’s condition after she contracted COVID-19.
In season 16, she texted Meredith and also sent a letter of support for Grey when she had a medical licensing hearing. While Sandra Oh has been gone for ten years, these moments ensured that fans never forgot Cristina and her time on the show. A stand-in actor also played Cristina in season 11 during Derek’s funeral.
Now that Meredith Grey has left the show as a full-time cast member, there could be a push for more returns from the past. Bringing back Sandra Oh and Cristina could be a massive moment for Grey’s Anatomy fans. Even if it is a tiny return of one of two episodes, this could play out well for fans.
With the recent emphasis on the reproductive rights storylines on the show, Cristina is the perfect person to return and help take up that fight in the hospital.
In season 7, Cristina had an abortion that Owen shamed her for, but she stood up for her rights. Even if it is for that story or in the future as a surprise, Sandra Oh left Grey’s Anatomy, but she could always return.
Sandra Oh Had a Huge Career After Grey’s Anatomy
Now that the answer to “When does Christina leave?” can be put to bed, what of Sandra Oh’s career after Grey’s Anatomy? Dr. Christina Yang can be seen as Sandra Oh’s breakout role, as her acting career exploded after taking on the part.
After leaving Grey’s Anatomy in 2014, Oh starred in the film Tammy as Kathy Bates’ wife before moving on to the Refinery29 comedy web series Shitty Boyfriends.
She also went on to star in the 2016 film Catfight with Anne Hesche and Alicia Silverstone, and then Oh appeared in the anthology series American Crime season 3 as Abby Tanaka.
In 2018, Sandra Oh was given the lead role of Eve Polastri in the spy thriller series Killing Eve, with the series ending of its own accord in April 2022.
Sandra Oh has received critical acclaim for her part in Killing Eve, making her the first actress of Asian descent to be appointed for an Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Primetime Emmy Award.
Sandra won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Eve Polastri, becoming the first actress of Asian descent to receive two Golden Globes.
Sandra Oh’s voice can also be heard as Castaspella in She-Ra and the Princess of Power and Virana in Raya and the Last Dragon. While Grey’s Anatomy may be where Sandra Oh got her first big break, she’ll be recognized for much more.
