AceShowbiz - George Clooney and Julianna Margulies kept their "ER" names three decades after the series premiered. "It always had to be Carol and Doug, in the end," Margulies recently shared with the Television Academy. "George and I, to this day, still sign our personal emails to each other 'Love, Carol' or 'Doug.' "

Margulies also revealed the emotional secret behind Doug's surprise return for Carol's farewell episode in season 6, which was kept hidden from the cast and crew to ensure a dramatic reveal. When she initially read the script that seemed to lack a proper goodbye for Carol, she broke down in tears. However, showrunner John Wells reassured her that they had "the right ending" for the character, which involved reuniting her with Doug.

The effort to keep Clooney's return a secret extended to the filming of the scene, with Margulies sneaking her makeup and wardrobe into the shoot location. "The owners [of the house] had to sign a nondisclosure [agreement], and I got in their bathroom to do my own makeup and hair," she recalled.

The secrecy paid off, as the reunion scene became one of the most iconic moments in "ER" history. "It really worked," Margulies said. "Honestly, every now and then I'll catch it when I'm flipping channels or something. And I still - that music - I still get very emotional. And I remember my mom saying to me - she was so shocked because everyone knew George was off the show - my mother said she screamed, which I think was a lot of people's reaction. It was the right ending for them because Carol and Doug were destined to be together."

Margulies and Clooney have reunited for additional "ER" episodes over the years, but their bond and the legacy of their characters remain strong. Margulies credits the show with launching her and Clooney's careers, saying, "ER is responsible for our careers. I will always be indebted to ER."