Julianna Margulies and George Clooney Keep ‘ER’ Characters Alive Through Names
As “ER” marks its 30th anniversary since premiering on NBC, Julianna Margulies and George Clooney have shared that they continue to use their iconic character names even in their personal correspondence. Reflecting on their time on the show, Margulies revealed to the Television Academy how their on-screen relationship has extended into real life. “It always had to be Carol and Doug, in the end,” she said, detailing how their emails conclude with “Love, Carol” and “Doug.”
Margulies reminisced about her character Carol Hathaway’s farewell in the heartbreaking 2000 episode “Such Sweet Sorrow,” which saw her reunite with Clooney’s Doug Ross after he departed the series a season prior. She expressed how the secrecy of their reunion added to the emotional weight, sharing that they managed to keep it under wraps from fellow cast members.
Despite feeling overwhelmed during the final table read, where she thought Carol wouldn’t receive a fitting goodbye, Margulies was later reassured by showrunner John Wells. He informed her of Clooney’s return and outlined how they would keep the reunion a surprise, even asking her to discreetly transport her makeup and wardrobe in a backpack.
Margulies recounted how the two actors were flown to Seattle separately, with only a few crew members present to shoot the scene. She poked fun at the lengths they went to for privacy, even utilizing a bathroom to prepare for the scene, emphasizing the bond that their characters shared.
In looking back, Margulies expressed gratitude for “ER,” stating, “The show is responsible for our careers. I will always be indebted to ‘ER.'” The series, created by Michael Crichton, ran for 15 seasons before its conclusion in 2009, leaving an indelible mark on television history. As the milestone anniversary arrives, both Margulies and Clooney continue to honor the legacy of Carol and Doug through their enduring friendship and unique connection.