Julianna Margulies on ER Role Thanks to Clooney

Julianna Margulies shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show how her initial rudeness during her ER audition inadvertently led to her iconic role as Carol Hathaway. Arriving early but finding the casting session two hours behind schedule, Margulies expressed her frustration and was about to leave when the casting director called her in. After a 'New York anger' audition for a different character, she was offered the chance to read for Hathaway, who was originally scripted to die in the pilot. It was through the perspective of George Clooney's character that the emotional stakes of Hathaway's death were heightened, ultimately leading to her character's survival after test audiences reacted negatively to her planned demise. Margulies' portrayal became a defining element of the series, showcasing her character's relationship with Clooney's Dr. Doug Ross. She reflected that without her initial anger and Clooney's influence, she might never have landed this pivotal role.