Julianna Margulies recently revealed the unexpected challenges she faced during her audition for ER and shared how George Clooney’s support helped secure her role as Nurse Carol Hathaway—a character who would later become iconic in the long-running medical drama.
During an appearance on the Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast, Margulies opened up about her frustrating audition experience, explaining that she felt “pissed” at the time. When she went in to read for the role, she sensed that it wasn’t going as planned. “I had already auditioned, and they kept calling me back,” she recounted, adding that each callback felt increasingly pointless, which left her feeling frustrated. “I thought, ‘Why am I here? They already know who they want.’”
Despite her doubts, Margulies delivered a compelling performance. George Clooney, who was already cast in ER as Dr. Doug Ross, immediately saw her potential and advocated for her to be part of the cast. Clooney, recognizing the chemistry between their characters, stepped in to support her, sensing that Margulies would bring an essential warmth and depth to Nurse Hathaway. “George was just a class act,” Margulies said. “He made it clear that he believed in me and saw something in me that I didn’t even see at the time.”
Initially, Margulies’ character was not meant to last on the show—Nurse Hathaway was supposed to die after a tragic suicide attempt in the pilot episode. However, Clooney and other members of the creative team advocated for her survival, believing that the character had the potential for a much deeper storyline. Their push paid off, and Margulies became a mainstay on ER for six seasons, winning an Emmy Award for her portrayal and establishing herself as one of the show’s standout stars.
Margulies’ story highlights not only her determination but also the influence of Clooney’s support. “If it weren’t for him,” she admitted, “I probably wouldn’t have had a career-defining role on ER.” Her character’s resilience and complex relationship with Clooney’s Dr. Ross captivated audiences, contributing significantly to the show’s success and paving the way for her impressive career.
Looking back, Margulies expressed gratitude for the chance to portray Nurse Hathaway and for the industry relationships that blossomed from the experience. Today, her story of perseverance and Clooney’s encouragement offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a series that defined ‘90s television.