It’s been 17 years since E.R. ended. George Clooney focused on movies and hasn’t returned to TV. That doesn’t mean he left the medical show completely behind. Clooney, who played Dr. Doug Ross, reunited with a co-star who will excite any E.R. fan.
George Clooney and Julianna Margulies of ‘ER’ Reunite
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC
Clooney, 64, was honored at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala on April 27. Julianna Margulies, who played nurse Carol Hathaway and Doug’s love interest, was there to say kind words about Clooney, along with his other friends.
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“It’s fun to see them. I love them. I admire them, and the fact that they’re here tonight is really a sweet thing,” Clooney told Extra. The actor was 33 years old in the first season, playing the pediatrician.
“We kind of grew up together on the screen, and it’s like over 30 years ago we did ER,” Clooney said. “I’ve known her for so long. She was a struggling actress and was sort of going to take another job ’cause she wanted to do the pilot for the show, but they killed her off in the pilot.”
The show started after Carol attempted to end her life. She survived and returned to work. “I called her and said, ‘I think they’re not gonna kill you off, so stick around,” Clooney explained. “Don’t take the other job.'”
It’s a good thing she listened. Margulies was in the first six seasons and appeared at least once in the rest.
“Even though on the pilot, I was just a guest star… the way he treats everyone,” she told Extra. “Everyone is treated with the same amount of respect, no matter where you were on the call sheet or who you are on the crew. That’s quintessential George.”
Their characters had twins, and the show ended with the couple reuniting in Seattle. Clooney’s appearance was a great surprise.
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