This summer, acclaimed actress Sandra Oh delivered a memorable speech at a graduation ceremony in New Hampshire, captivating the audience with her candid reflections on mental health and resilience. Addressing university graduates during a period of global uncertainty, Oh shared her personal struggles with depression and anxiety, urging the young audience to embrace discomfort and kindness to counteract the world’s cruelty. Her message resonated deeply, especially as she highlighted the troubling trend of leaders who “claim power through fear and oppression.”
The speech took an unexpected turn when Oh encouraged the audience to “dance it out,” a nod to her iconic character Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy. As David Guetta’s “Titanium” played, the crowd joined in a euphoric dance, a moment that quickly went viral. Reflecting on the experience, Oh admitted, “I was very, very, very nervous about it. I worked really hard,” acknowledging the heavy concerns weighing on the minds of young people today.
From Personal Struggles to Public Advocacy
Born near Ottawa to Korean immigrant parents, Sandra Oh has become a trailblazer in Hollywood, known for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve. Her journey to success was not without challenges, including early career setbacks and experiences with racism. Oh has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, famously stating at the Emmys, “It’s an honour just to be Asian.”
Her recent speech aligns with her longstanding commitment to using her platform for social change. Oh’s latest project, the indie Canadian sci-fi film Can I Get a Witness?, explores themes of survival and societal rebirth following an apocalyptic event. Set in 2040, the film imagines a world where peace is achieved but at a significant cost, including government-mandated deaths at age 50. Oh plays Ellie, a survivor navigating this new reality, reflecting on how impending death alters one’s approach to life.
Exploring Technology and Human Connection
During the production of Can I Get a Witness?, Oh advocated for the inclusion of AI in the storyline, emphasizing the profound impact of technology on human interactions. “Phones and social media are retraining human beings,” she remarked, expressing concern about the unconscious changes occurring at a societal level. To counteract this, Oh chooses projects that foster genuine human connection, such as her role in Twelfth Night at New York’s Delacorte Theater, where she engages with audiences in an open-air setting.
Oh’s reflections on midlife and conscious decision-making offer insight into her personal growth. “This is the gift of midlife,” she noted, highlighting the clarity and purpose that come with age. Her career choices reflect a deliberate focus on stories that resonate with her values, including recent roles in projects that explore Asian heritage and identity.
Championing Diversity in Hollywood
Throughout her career, Sandra Oh has championed diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood, advocating for more opportunities for Asian actors. She recalls a pivotal moment when she received the script for Killing Eve and realized the lead role was intended for her. “Honey,” her agent said, “It’s Eve.” This marked a significant shift in her career, allowing her to take on roles that authentically reflect her heritage.
Oh’s commitment to representation extends beyond her own work. She highlights the importance of community and collaboration among Asian actors, citing the success of films like Everything Everywhere All at Once as a testament to the power of collective storytelling. Despite challenges, Oh remains optimistic about the future, hoping that the progress made in recent years will continue to open doors for others.
Reflecting on her journey, Oh shared a poignant diary entry from her early career struggles, expressing the pain of feeling overlooked in Hollywood. Today, she offers words of encouragement to her younger self, acknowledging the transformative power of change and resilience. “The impermanence of things,” she concluded, “is a lesson that takes a lifetime to understand.”
