Sarah Drew, known for her role as April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy, recently shared how her former co-star Sandra Oh served as a major inspiration for her during their time on the show. Drew praised Oh for her passionate dedication to advocating for her character, Christina Yang, with the show’s writers. She highlighted Oh’s strong feelings about how Yang’s character arc should be developed and her respectful approach to collaborating with the writers.
Drew emphasized that Oh’s willingness to stand up for her character had a significant impact on her own approach to advocating for her role on the show. She noted that watching Oh’s collaborative relationship with the writers inspired her to have a voice in shaping her character’s journey on Grey’s Anatomy. Drew appreciated the opportunity to be involved in the crafting of her character rather than simply following instructions, thanks to Oh’s example of being actively engaged in the process.
Initially joining the Grey’s Anatomy cast in 2009 during the sixth season, Drew remained with the show until her character’s departure along with Jessica Capshaw’s character in 2018. However, she later returned to reprise her role as April for episodes in seasons 17 and 18 in 2021 and 2022. In contrast, Oh was a key member of the original cast when Grey’s Anatomy first premiered in 2005 and remained with the show for a decade before leaving after the season 10 finale in 2014.
The impact of Oh’s influence on Drew extended beyond her time on Grey’s Anatomy, as Drew highlighted how observing Oh’s approach to advocating for her character helped her find her own voice in the industry. Drew expressed her admiration for Oh’s dedication to every detail of her character’s journey and the collaborative relationship she established with the writers. Drew’s reflection on her experience working alongside Oh demonstrates the lasting influence that a supportive and empowering co-star can have on an actor’s career and approach to their work.
Overall, Sarah Drew’s appreciation for Sandra Oh’s mentorship and inspiration emphasizes the importance of having supportive and influential figures in the entertainment industry. Oh’s dedication to her character and her collaborative approach to storytelling served as a valuable example for Drew and helped her find her voice as an actor. Their shared experience on Grey’s Anatomy highlights the impact of fostering a collaborative and respectful working environment, where actors can actively participate in shaping the development of their characters. Oh’s influence on Drew’s career serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and the positive impact it can have on an actor’s growth and development in the industry.
