The Truth Behind Sandra Oh's Grey's Anatomy Exit

Sandra Oh was part of the highly acclaimed TV series "Grey's Anatomy" for ten seasons, and received a number of accolades for her work as the iconic character, Cristina Yang. In 2005, she took home the Best Supporting Actress award at the Golden Globes for her work on the show, and one year later, she nabbed the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series trophy at the SAG Awards (per IMDb). Since her departure from "Grey's," Oh has played the role of Eve Polastri in the thriller series, "Killing Eve," for which she has also won a Critics Choice Award and Golden Globe Award. 

Oh was with "Grey's" from the beginning — she played Yang in the series pilot and appeared in almost every episode until she left. Interestingly, however, her departure from "Grey's Anatomy" still has people talking today, and questioning whether there was a specific reason for her leave. 

In August 2013, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Sandra Oh would be leaving "Grey's Anatomy" after 10 seasons. According to the outlet, Oh left to pursue other creative opportunities. "Creatively, I really feel like I gave it my all, and I feel ready to let her go," Oh told THR. "It's such an interesting thing to play a character for so long and to actually get the sense that she wants to be let go as well. [Cristina] wants to be let go, and I am ready to let her go. We have to start the process, story-wise, for the 'Grey's' writers to think of why she's going to go."

Oh reportedly began considering leaving the show in May 2012, in the process of signing on for the next two years. Oh told THR, "I've gone through a lot of therapy over this. I started thinking about it because I had to prepare myself. I gave myself two years to emotionally let go. At the end of last season, Shonda took me aside and said, 'What are your thoughts?' I said, 'I'm ready.'"

"Grey's Anatomy" showrunner Shonda Rhimes made her adoration and support for Sandra Oh clear while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter. She told the outlet that Oh's audition for the show was one of the best days of her life and she, as a creator, was "made better by Sandra's trust, faith and friendship." Rhimes said, "I can't quantify how grateful I am for her collaboration on a character we both love so deeply." Rhimes ended the interview by stating, "And when Sandra walks out of my door, 'Grey's Anatomy' will once again be forever changed."

Fortunately, Oh's career has thrived ever since. In March, Primetimer reported that Oh would star in a new animated Amazon series, "Invincible," based on a comic book of the same name. Oh stars alongside Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, and a number of cast members from "The Walking Dead." So, despite the fact that Oh is no longer part of "Grey's Anatomy," it's undeniable that she contributed to the show's popularity and that she owes at least a portion of her success to her iconic portrayal of Cristina Yang on the ABC series.