From her unforgettable role in “Grey’s Anatomy” to making history three times at the Golden Globes, Sandra Oh has a wildly successful career. With a career spanning over 30 years and a growing list of awards, Oh is more than a TV star. She’s an inspiration to all women, but especially women of color. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Oh built her million dollar net worth, and why it means so much more to her than just money.

How Did Sandra Oh Become Famous?

Born to Korean immigrant parents in Canada, Oh first caught the acting bug when she was a little girl. Although her mom, who was a biochemist, and her dad, who was a businessman, envisioned a more traditional career path for her, Oh was drawn to the stage. While the path ahead of her wasn’t easy, it didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. In a past interview with Oprah Magazine, she expressed how she was originally excluded from roles because she wasn’t white. 

“I could have given up. But I thought about the fact that my parents, traditional Korean immigrants, had urged me to go to college instead of pursuing an acting career,” she told the outlet. “They had tried to lovingly discourage me from embarking on a path that they believed would hurt me. If I valued my work enough to go against the wishes of my parents, then I certainly wasn’t going to be stopped by anyone else.”

Despite her challenges to break into the industry, Oh officially became a professional actress by the age of 15. She began her training at the National Theatre School of Canada. She went on to star in a number of projects, including “The Diary of Evelyn Lau,”  and “Double Happiness,” which won her critical acclaim and a Genie Award.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Sandra Oh Starred In?

Oh’s major breakout moment was in 2005 when she starred as the character Dr. Cristina Yang on Shonda Rhimes’ ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” For 10 seasons, she captivated audiences with a role that was brilliant, driven, and deeply relatable. “Grey’s Anatomy” isn’t just a hit. It is a cultural phenomenon and one of the longest running television series on air. Oh’s performance became one of the most beloved in the show’s history. For the lead role, she won a Golden Globe 2006 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series.

After leaving “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2014, many wondered what her next move would be. That answer came in 2018 with “Killing Eve,” where she starred as MI5 agent Eve Polastri. The BBC America thriller, which she also co-executive produced, increased her international stardom. In 2019, she snagged a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Drama, which made her the first woman of Asian descent to earn more than one Golden Globe. 

Oh’s career spans drama, comedy, and major studio projects. Beyond “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve,” she gained recognition for her role in “Sideways,” the Academy Award-winning dramedy. In the film, which earned $110 million at the global box office on a $16 million budget, according to IMDB, Oh played Stephanie, a wine connoisseur. Her recent work includes Netflix’s “The Chair,” HBO’s “The Sympathizer,” and the Pixar film “Turning Red.” She also a voice actress for Amazon Prime’s “Invincible,” proving that the possibilities of her career are limitless.  

What Businesses and Partnerships Has Sandra Oh Invested In?

Oh doesn’t pursue splashy business ventures or personal brands, but she wields powerful influence behind the scenes. She has stepped into more producer roles, allowing her to shape creative direction and earn a larger share of the profits. Additionally, she’s also been intentional about the types of projects she supports. She narrated the 2022 PBS documentary “Rising Against Asian Hate,” using her platform to speak out against violence and discrimination. Other than that, she keeps her investments relatively private.

Where Does Sandra Oh Live?

Oh lives a relatively low-key life. She reportedly owns a home in Los Angeles, where she’s based for work. In many interviews, Oh has shared that she values privacy. However, in 2007, she gave a glimpse into her home life while speaking with Marie Claire, saying, her house is “sort of explosive. Like a crazy person lives there.”

What Is Sandra Oh’s Net Worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Oh has an estimated net worth of around $25 million. Her run on “Grey’s Anatomy” and success with “Killing Eve” brought in multimillion dollar paydays. At the height of “Grey’s Anatomy,” she reportedly earned up to $350,000 per episode. Her other roles have also reportedly been lucrative. Additionally, she has taken on producer roles, allowing her to earn backend revenue in addition to her acting salary.

What Has Sandra Oh Said About Money?

Oh is refreshingly candid about the relationship between success and money. She acknowledges the financial privileges that come with her career, but often emphasizes purpose over profit. In June 2025, Oh addressed Dartmouth College’s graduating class with a speech about money and fair treatment in the media. 

“As some of you know, I had the great privilege of playing Dr. Cristina Yang on “Grey’s Anatomy” for 10 season,” she began. “This opportunity brought me financial stability, fame and privilege. It was also one of the most challenging decades of my life. I learned profound lessons during this time, because so much of it was so uncomfortable.”

Oh fought for script changes, and the “Grey’s Anatomy” writers’ room had a designated “Sandra whisperer” for her requests. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages does Sandra Oh speak? Oh is fluent in English, Spanish, and Korean, thanks to her upbringing.

Is Sandra Oh married? No. She was previously married to filmmaker Alexander Payne, but the couple divorced in 2006.

What awards has Sandra Oh won? Oh has two Golden Globes, four SAG Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.