Julianna Margulies on How George Clooney Saved Her ‘ER’ Role: Behind the Scenes of Carol Hathaway’s Survival

Julianna Margulies and Her Role as Carol Hathaway in ER

Audition and Initial Rejection

Julianna Margulies initially auditioned for a recurring character on the medical drama series ER. However, she was frustrated with the audition process due to the casting directors running late. Her frustration led her to perform the audition with a noticeable attitude, which she believed would result in her being rejected. Despite this, the casting director asked her to read for the role of Carol Hathaway, the head nurse, which was originally intended to be a character that dies in the pilot episode[3][4].

George Clooney’s Influence

Margulies’ character, Carol Hathaway, was meant to die from a drug overdose in the pilot episode. However, test audiences reacted negatively to her death, particularly because it was portrayed through the eyes of her character’s old flame, Dr. Doug Ross, played by George Clooney. The audience’s affection for Clooney and his character made it important for them that Carol not die. This reaction led the producers to decide to keep Carol alive[3][4].

Character Development and Impact

Julianna Margulies played Carol Hathaway from the pilot episode to her penultimate episode in the sixth season, with a final appearance in the show’s last season. She was instrumental in keeping Carol a nurse, as producers initially wanted to make her a doctor. Margulies felt this would do a disservice to nurses and was out of character for Carol[1,.

Research and Preparation

To prepare for her role, Margulies observed and shadowed medical professionals at hospitals in Los Angeles and Chicago, including Cook County General Hospital, which inspired the look of the show’s emergency room. She based her character on two specific nurses she observed and also attended nursing conferences to understand the high stress levels and expectations of the job[1].

Personal Touch and Backstory

Margulies developed a backstory for Carol, where her father’s death motivated her to become a nurse. She ensured that Carol was portrayed as a strong, controlling, and compassionate character with a dry sense of humor and a dark side, making her a relatable and human role model[1].

In summary, Julianna Margulies’ role as Carol Hathaway in ER was saved by the positive audience reaction, largely influenced by George Clooney’s character. Margulies’ own attitude and dedication to the role helped shape Carol into a strong and memorable character.