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Who Is Sandra Oh?
Sandra Oh is a Canadian actress renowned for her dynamic performances and significant contributions to the television and film industries. Born on July 20, 1971, in Nepean (now part of Ottawa), Ontario, Canada, she is the daughter of Korean immigrants. Oh began her career in performance at a young age, attending the National Theatre School of Canada. At 19, she achieved a breakthrough with her role in the television biopic The Diary of Evelyn Lau (1993), which earned her a Gemini nomination and the prestigious 1994 Cannes FIPA d’Or for Best Actress. In 1996, she relocated to Los Angeles to join the cast of HBO’s comedy Arli$$. She gained further recognition with notable roles in films such as Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) and Sideways (2004), before achieving widespread fame as Dr. Cristina Yang on the critically acclaimed TV series Grey’s Anatomy (2005-2015). In 2018, Oh continued her ascent in the industry as the star of BBC America’s spy drama Killing Eve.
Early Life
Sandra Miju Oh, with her middle name meaning “pretty pearl” in Korean, was born into a family that valued education and hard work. Her father, Joon-Soo (John), and mother, Young-Nan, emigrated from South Korea to Canada to pursue studies in economics and biochemistry, respectively. Growing up in a suburb of Nepean, Oh was active in the local Korean community, where cultural connections were significant. She reflects on her childhood, stating, “Wherever Koreans are, they set up a church,” describing the sense of community fostered in a space shared with only a few families.
Oh’s artistic journey began at the age of four when her parents enrolled her in ballet classes, initially to correct her natural pigeon-toed gait. This decision inadvertently ignited her passion for performing. By age ten, she made her stage debut in The Canada Goose, and by 15, she was landing professional roles in television, theater, and commercials.
When it came time for college, Oh chose to pursue her passion for acting over an academic scholarship, opting for the National Theatre School of Canada instead. Despite her parents’ reservations—reflecting the aspirations of many immigrant families who prioritize conventional careers—Oh paid her own tuition to attend the esteemed institution.
Breakthrough in Evelyn Lau
Sandra Oh’s career breakthrough came with her casting in The Diary of Evelyn Lau, a biopic based on the life of a young Chinese poet. Her audition stood out, as noted by director Sturla Gunnarsson, who remarked on her confidence and dedication. “When she came in to the audition, she asked for a moment to focus herself. Then she lay on the floor for five minutes,” he recalled. This performance earned her significant accolades, including a Gemini nomination and the Cannes FIPA d’Or for Best Actress, which she still regards as one of her finest works.
Arli$$ and Other Film Work
Following a challenging period as a struggling actress, during which she fortuitously won a $5,000 scratch-off lottery ticket, Oh secured a role as Rita Wu in HBO’s comedy Arli$$. This role marked a turning point in her career, earning her a Cable Ace Award. She moved to Los Angeles in 1996 to work on the series, which enjoyed a successful seven-season run. During this time, she also appeared in notable films like Under the Tuscan Sun, Bean, and The Red Violin, as well as in acclaimed television series such as Six Feet Under and Judging Amy.
Sideways
In 2003, Oh was cast by her then-husband, director Alexander Payne, in the film Sideways, a small independent project about two friends exploring California’s wine country during midlife crises. The film became a surprise hit, receiving five Academy Award nominations. Oh’s performance as a wine pourer garnered critical acclaim, notably for a memorable scene in which her character confronts co-star Thomas Haden Church. While the film was successful, her marriage to Payne did not last; they divorced in 2007.
Grey’s Anatomy
Oh’s role in Sideways facilitated her casting as Dr. Cristina Yang in the medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy, which debuted in 2005. Her portrayal of the ambitious surgical intern resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe win and multiple Screen Actors Guild and Emmy nominations. Co-star Chandra Wilson praised Oh’s conscientious approach to her craft, noting her analytical nature.
In August 2013, Oh announced her intention to leave Grey’s Anatomy at the end of its tenth season, culminating in her final appearance as Cristina Yang on May 15, 2014.
Killing Eve
In April 2018, Oh returned to the small screen with Killing Eve, a BBC America series based on Luke Jennings’s Codename Villanelle novellas. She stars as British intelligence agent Eve Polastri, who becomes embroiled in a cat-and-mouse game with the enigmatic assassin Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. The show quickly garnered attention, earning a renewal for a second season even before the premiere of its first episodes. The New York Times lauded the series for its clever and darkly comedic writing.
Oh received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, marking a historic moment as the first woman of Asian descent to achieve this recognition. Celebrating this milestone, she expressed her hope for continued representation in the industry. “I’m happy to get that ball rolling… the presence will grow not only to Asian-Americans but to all our other sisters and brothers,” she remarked.
In 2018, Oh also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to achieve this honor. Additionally, she made history by becoming the first woman of Asian descent to host the Golden Globes. Following the success of the second season, the cast learned that Killing Eve would be renewed for a third season, further solidifying Oh’s status as a prominent figure in contemporary television.