George Clooney Saves Julianna Margulies' ER Character from Death

In the world of television, few shows have left as lasting an impact as "ER," the medical drama that captivated audiences for over a decade. One of the standout characters from the series was Carol Hathaway, played by the talented Julianna Margulies. Recently, Margulies shared an intriguing story about how her character was saved from an untimely demise, thanks to none other than George Clooney.

During an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Margulies, now 58, took a trip down memory lane to discuss her audition for "ER." Interestingly, she had initially gone to the set to audition for a different role altogether. However, fate had other plans for her. She was asked to read for the head nurse position, but with a significant caveat: "She dies in the pilot." Despite this warning, Margulies auditioned and ultimately secured the role.

Clarkson, surprised by this revelation, asked, "She was gonna die? You were supposed to die?" Margulies confirmed the shocking twist, explaining, "The character dies in the pilot from a drug overdose." This revelation highlights the dramatic stakes that were initially set for Hathaway's character.

Margulies elaborated on how the death scene was filmed, noting that the director, Rob Holcomb, chose to shoot it through Clooney's character, Dr. Doug Ross's eyes. This creative decision added a layer of emotional depth to the scene, as Clooney and Hathaway's characters had a romantic history. "They did it through his eyes, so suddenly her death seemed really important to the audience watching for him that she does not die," Margulies explained.

Reflecting on the impact of this decision, Margulies noted that test audiences reacted strongly to the idea of Hathaway's death. "When the character died, the whole audience went, 'Nooo!' Because they loved George Clooney so much, who doesn't?" This reaction underscores the powerful connection viewers had with the characters and the performances of the actors.

Margulies left "ER" in 2000 after six successful seasons, while Clooney remained on the show for five seasons, making a surprise return during the season six finale. The legacy of "ER" continues to resonate with fans, and it is hard to imagine the series without Margulies' iconic portrayal of Carol Hathaway.

The story of how George Clooney inadvertently saved Julianna Margulies' character from death is a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable nature of television storytelling. It serves as a reminder of how creative decisions can shape the trajectory of a show and the characters within it. As fans continue to celebrate the legacy of "ER," this anecdote adds another layer of appreciation for the artistry involved in bringing such beloved characters to life.