From a young age, Oh exhibited a strong interest in the performing arts, notably acting and ballet. While attending Sir Robert Borden High School, she served as President of the Student Council and was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the environmental group BASE and the school’s band, where she played the flute. Her passion for acting deepened during these formative years, leading her to join the school’s drama club, participate in plays, and take acting lessons.

Although she received a journalism scholarship from Carleton University, Oh declined the opportunity. Instead, she pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal, funding her education independently. She made a promise to her parents that she would return to study journalism if acting did not work out. She graduated from the National Theatre School in 1993.

Early Acting Career and Breakthrough Role

Soon after graduation, Oh landed a leading role in the film The Diary of Evelyn Lau, beating out more than 1,000 auditioning actors. Her performance as the title character garnered critical acclaim and marked a significant turning point in her early career.

Her breakthrough came with the 1994 film Double Happiness, where she played the lead role and won the Genie Award for Best Actress. Continuing her work in Canadian cinema, she appeared in Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity and Last Night, the latter of which earned her another Genie Award for Best Actress.

Television Success and Recognition in the U.S.

Oh expanded her repertoire with various roles in film and television, including a supporting role in the 1997 comedy Bean and appearances in films such as The Night Listener and Under the Tuscan Sun. She became increasingly familiar to American audiences through her role in the critically acclaimed film Sideways.

Her most iconic role came with the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, where she portrayed Dr. Cristina Yang from 2005 to 2014. For her work on the show, she won a Golden Globe Award in 2006 and a Screen Actors Guild Award in the same year. Her portrayal of Yang garnered widespread critical and audience acclaim, cementing her status as a television star.