Podcast Summary: The Interview – Sandra Oh Knows What's Great About Middle Age

Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Lulu Garcia-Navarro
Guest: Sandra Oh
Duration: Approximately 42 minutes

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Interview, hosted by Lulu Garcia-Navarro of The New York Times, Sandra Oh delves deep into her personal and professional journey. Best known for her iconic roles as Dr. Christina Yang on Grey's Anatomy and Eve Polastri in Killing Eve, Oh also discusses her upcoming stage performance in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. This episode offers an intimate look at Oh’s experiences with fame, identity, and aging, enriched by her personal diary entries and reflections.

Navigating Praise and Personal Growth

Timestamp 02:03 – 05:05

Lulu Garcia-Navarro opens the conversation by highlighting Sandra Oh's recognition as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2019, with praise from Shonda Rhimes and Megan Thee Stallion. Oh reflects on her complex relationship with praise:

• Sandra Oh (02:56): "I've been needing to listen to things that somehow I felt like I need to protect myself from... I think a part of being a full person in midlife is to actually hear the positive things or one's effect on people."

She acknowledges the challenge of accepting accolades, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-acceptance in midlife.

Reflecting on Leaving Grey’s Anatomy

Timestamp 05:05 – 09:13

Sandra Oh recounts her final day on Grey's Anatomy, describing it as a joyous occasion despite it marking the end of a significant chapter in her career:

• Sandra Oh (06:34): "Yesterday was my very last day of work on Grey's Anatomy. It was joyous..."

She details the heartfelt farewells with cast and crew, including personal moments like dancing with Desiree and receiving gifts from colleagues. Oh emphasizes her deliberate decision to leave on her own terms, ensuring a respectful and grateful departure.

Childhood and Early Ambitions

Timestamp 10:09 – 14:06

Delving into her early life, Oh discusses the influence of her immigrant parents, her mother a biochemist and her father a businessman. The values instilled by her parents—ambition, drive, and a sense of responsibility towards humanity—played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations:

• Sandra Oh (10:28): "I actually think that comes a lot from my dad. But also my parents are very religious, and there's something equal in that..."

She reflects on the balance between pursuing personal dreams and honoring her family's expectations, highlighting the internal conflicts that fueled her determination to succeed in the arts.

Struggling with Self-Confidence and Artistic Identity

Timestamp 11:30 – 26:50

Sandra Oh shares poignant excerpts from her personal diaries, revealing her struggles with self-doubt and mental health during her youth:

• Diary Entry (11:40): "I hate myself. I'm no good at anything. I'm never happy anymore..."

She discusses how writing became a therapeutic outlet, helping her navigate emotional turbulence and build resilience. Oh elaborates on her evolving perception of herself as an artist:

• Sandra Oh (26:50): "I feel confident as an artist... When you do that with devotion and you gain skill and practice it for a long time, I do think that's what develops a life of an artist."

This segment underscores her journey towards self-acceptance and the reaffirmation of her identity as a committed artist.

Early Acting Experiences

Timestamp 14:51 – 16:20

Oh reminisces about her teenage years in an improv group called Skid Row High, where she briefly performed alongside a young Alanis Morissette:

• Sandra Oh (15:08): "We performed shows where she would sing and some of us would be her backup singers."

She credits these early experiences with honing her creative skills and fostering a deep appreciation for collaborative artistry.

Political Views and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)

Timestamp 16:20 – 37:55

Transitioning to more socio-political topics, Sandra Oh discusses her dual citizenship and the impact of political climates on Hollywood actors' willingness to express their views:

• Sandra Oh (17:04): "People who have a public profile are always kind of managing that... It's about always thinking about, am I going to lose my livelihood or then not feel safe?"
• Sandra Oh (34:38): "People aren't open. Basically, there are no parts for you because you're Asian."

Oh reflects on the evolution and recent backlash against DEI initiatives, expressing concern over the diminishing recognition of structural racism:

• Sandra Oh (36:03): "Things are being dismantled is a recognition that that life is not fair."

She emphasizes the importance of maintaining conversations around racism and inclusion, despite challenges and societal pushback.

Upcoming Role in Twelfth Night

Timestamp 18:44 – 22:15

The conversation shifts to Oh’s upcoming role as Olivia in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. She shares her excitement and the different approach she takes in theater compared to film:

• Sandra Oh (19:05): "I started learning these lines, like probably in February, slow. And it's just been a joy."

Oh discusses the collaborative nature of theater, highlighting her desire to remain present and responsive to her co-actors, thereby bringing authenticity to her character.

Embracing Middle Age

Timestamp 27:48 – 41:01

Sandra Oh speaks candidly about embracing middle age, balancing physical and mental changes with a sense of fulfillment and introspection:

• Sandra Oh (27:54): "I feel it's tougher on my body, it's tougher on my mind in certain ways, but it is great."
• Sandra Oh (28:55): "You have to grow in an interior sense to be able to handle those things that come up."

She reflects on the wisdom and stability that come with age, allowing her to delve deeper into meaningful questions and personal growth:

• Sandra Oh (36:31): "I am really working with the internalization of my own issues... how that has made me who I am now."

This segment underscores her journey towards self-awareness and the ongoing process of self-improvement.

Closing Thoughts

Timestamp 39:42 – 41:01

In her final reflections, Oh contemplates her continuous growth and the areas she still seeks to develop:

• Sandra Oh (39:42): "What we are still internally wrestling with... what it is to live in a patriarchal society."

She emphasizes the importance of self-understanding and the quest to free herself from societal constraints, solidifying her commitment to personal and professional evolution.

Conclusion

Sandra Oh’s interview on The Interview offers a profound exploration of her life’s journey, from her early struggles with self-confidence to her triumphant career in acting and her thoughtful reflections on aging and identity. Through candid diary readings and honest conversations, Oh provides listeners with valuable insights into the complexities of navigating fame, personal growth, and societal expectations.

Notable Quotes:

• Sandra Oh (02:56): "I think a part of being a full person in midlife is to actually hear the positive things or one's effect on people."

• Sandra Oh (06:34): "Yesterday was my very last day of work on Grey's Anatomy. It was joyous..."

• Sandra Oh (11:40): "I hate myself. I'm no good at anything. I'm never happy anymore..."

• Sandra Oh (26:50): "I feel confident as an artist... When you do that with devotion and you gain skill and practice it for a long time, I do think that's what develops a life of an artist."

• Sandra Oh (36:03): "Things are being dismantled is a recognition that that life is not fair."

This episode is a must-listen for fans of Sandra Oh and anyone interested in the intricate balance between personal fulfillment and professional achievement.

Produced by Seth Kelly. Edited by Annabelle Bacon. Mixing by Sophia Landman. Original Music by Pat McCusker, Rowan Nimisto, and Marian Lozano. Photography by Devin Yelkin.