Sandra Oh, known for her role as Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy, has long maintained that she would not return to the medical drama after her departure in Season 10. However, during the show’s 20th-anniversary celebration, she admitted that her perspective may be shifting. Although she has worked hard to move on from the role, she acknowledged that fans’ continued love for Cristina has made her reconsider the possibility of returning.
Reflecting on a Possible Comeback
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sandra reflected on her journey since leaving the show. She shared that, for years, her response to a potential comeback had been a firm no. However, she now finds herself unsure. She explained, “For the longest time, it has always been a hard no. And it’s just—I don’t know. I just don’t know. When you finish something, it’s a deep process. I just cannot tell you—I can’t stress to you enough—how consciously I tried to fully process leaving. I don’t feel the need to revisit, but I also profoundly understand the audience’s love for this character because I’ve seen it for the past ten years. That’s the part that makes me just go, hmmm.”
Sandra Oh’s Departure from Grey’s Anatomy
Sandra left Grey’s Anatomy in 2014 after playing Cristina Yang for ten seasons. She recalled that her decision to leave was a thoughtful and deliberate one. She stated that she deeply considered her choice and felt that she had given everything she could to the character. She explained, “I knew in my gut that I had done as much as I could. I really, really felt I did my job. I also was very, very cognisant that not many actors get to do this: create a full character and really live through their life, and then actually make the choice to bring it to a close.”
Looking back, Sandra expressed gratitude for how her departure was handled. She appreciated that the writers had time to craft a meaningful exit for Cristina, allowing both her and the audience to say a proper goodbye.
Cristina Yang’s Presence in the Show
Although Cristina has not physically appeared in the series since her exit, the character remains part of Grey’s Anatomy through text messages and letters. In Season 19, she sent a letter to Addison and Bailey, marking one of the few direct references to her in recent years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the show brought back several former characters, including those who had died, in dream sequences. While Cristina was not among them, her continued mentions in the storyline highlight her lasting impact. Sandra expressed appreciation for this approach, saying that as long as Cristina’s presence serves the story, she is happy with how the show acknowledges her character.
Will Sandra Oh Return?
Though Sandra has not confirmed a return to Grey’s Anatomy, her recent comments suggest that she is no longer completely against the idea. While she emphasised that she does not feel a personal need to revisit Cristina Yang, she admitted that the overwhelming love from fans makes her pause and reconsider.
