Sandra Oh is walking back on her previous comment about potentially returning in Grey’s Anatomy as Cristina Yang. An original cast member, Sandra Oh left Grey’s Anatomy in season 10 with an exit storyline that truly did justice to the role. It re-emphasized Cristina’s unwavering commitment to her career by having her become the director of cardiothoracic surgery at the Klausman Institute for Medical Research in Switzerland.
Speaking to The New York Times during a live recording of an episode of their podcast The Interview (via People), Sandra Oh denied the possibility of a Cristina Yang return to Grey’s Anatomy at this point, effectively walking back on her previous comment and explaining what drove her to repeatedly oppose returning as Cristina on Grey’s Anatomy over the years. Oh also explained what led her to seemingly change her stance on returning to Grey’s Anatomy last March, addressing the thought process behind her surprising comments at the time. You can read Sandra Oh’s comments below:
What I have noticed, this is 10 years out from leaving the show, is the deep appreciation that I have for the people who appreciate Cristina. It is that love that has made me go, ‘Oh. The fans really, really, really want it,’ and for the first time, that’s when I started opening up the idea; but for me, I think to really be true to the people who enjoy your work, you have to be true to yourself. So at this point, I don’t think so.
What Sandra Oh’s Comments Mean For Grey’s Anatomy
It’s Unlikely Grey’s Anatomy Will See Oh Return As Cristina Yang
Oh clarifying how she still doesn’t feel the need to revisit the character of Cristina Yang in March 2025 was in line with what she always said when a possible return was brought up, despite being partially in contrast with the rest she said in that interview. However, Oh’s more recent comments explain how she never really had a change of heart on the matter of returning, instead wavering only at the realization of how much people still love and connect with Cristina Yang to this day, more than a decade after Oh left Grey’s Anatomy.
Oh’s words about “being true to yourself” being the way to “be true to the people who enjoy your work” reiterate how it’s unlikely Cristina Yang will be seen walking the hallways of Grey Sloan Memorial again. Indeed, even if hearing about fans loving Cristina made Oh open up to the idea, she still went back to the decision not to return that she had defended over the years, motivated by Oh’s firm reasons rather than momentary changes influenced by what the fans wanted.
Our Take On Cristina Possibly Never Returning To Grey’s Anatomy
Cristina Yang Remains A Beloved Grey’s Anatomy Character But Her Story Has Long Ended
Although Sandra Oh didn’t categorically oppose a return as Cristina, it has been a long time since she was on the show. Much has changed in the show, making Cristina’s return potentially feel out of place in Grey’s Anatomy season 22 or beyond, with the character having little to do with Grey Sloan. After all, the only direct connection to Cristina is Meredith, and even her presence is reduced since Grey’s Anatomy season 19. Sandra Oh’s refusal to return might thus work as a reminder to fans to retrace Cristina’s story as Grey’s Anatomy’s first 10 seasons told it.
