After years of speculation, Sandra Oh has offered a definitive answer on whether she’ll ever reprise her role as Dr. Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy — and it’s a gentle but firm no.

Speaking at The New York Times’ The Interview LIVE event on June 12, Oh reflected on the lasting love fans have for her character, 11 years after her departure. “What I’ve noticed is the deep appreciation that I have for the people who appreciate Cristina,” Oh said. “For the first time, I started opening up to the idea.”

Still, she added, “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.”

Oh, 53, starred in Grey’s Anatomy from its debut in 2005 through 2014, earning five Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe for her role. While she hasn’t appeared on screen since, Cristina has remained part of the show through mentions and unseen cameos, including a body double at Derek Shepherd’s funeral.

Since leaving the show, Oh has continued to build an acclaimed career with roles in Killing Eve, The Chair, Turning Red, and Quiz Lady, for which she earned an Emmy. She’s made it clear she wants to move forward, not backward.

As Grey’s Anatomy heads into its 22nd season this fall, Cristina Yang remains a fan favorite — even if she won’t return in person. For Oh, the legacy is already more than enough.

Source: People Magazine