AceShowbiz - Julianna Margulies nearly walked away from her audition for the iconic medical drama ER, a decision that could have drastically altered her career trajectory. The actress first appeared on the big screen in Steven Seagal's 1991 action film "Out for Justice," which received lukewarm reviews, being labeled as "unnecessary" by the Washington Post. However, just three years later, she landed a role in ER, a show that became a pivotal point in her career.

As many know, ER is one of NBC’s most celebrated series, remaining a top contender in the network’s history. During her time on the show, which spanned six seasons with a guest appearance in the 15th season, Julianna Margulies portrayed the beloved head emergency nurse, Carol Hathaway. Her performance earned her numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy and six Screen Actors Guild Awards. Given her eventual success, it's hard to imagine what would have happened had she chosen to leave before her audition.

In an oral history shared by the Television Academy, Margulies recounted her audition experience and the moments that almost led her to abandon it altogether. She recalled feeling frustrated in the waiting room when her audition was delayed. Although she was gaining recognition in New York for her stage work, the Los Angeles audition scene felt foreign and less accommodating. "I had three auditions the day I auditioned," she explained, noting that the waiting room was crowded and her patience was wearing thin after waiting for two hours.

Her anxiety grew as she realized she was running late for another audition. "I was feeling worried that I was going to be late," she said. "And I don't like being late. I thought, 'LA is not for me. I'm out of here.'" Just as she decided to leave, casting director John Levey called her name, prompting her to stay for the audition that would change her life.

Interestingly, when Julianna Margulies first auditioned for ER, she was not vying for the role of Carol Hathaway but rather auditioning for a minor character—a love interest of Dr. Doug Ross, played by George Clooney. Despite her initial intention, she made a memorable impression during the audition. She recalled, "Instead of reading this love interest of Doug's sweetly, I read her like a p***ed New Yorker."

Ultimately, her unique interpretation resonated with the producers, leading to her casting as one of the series' most significant characters. The success of ER not only launched Margulies into stardom but also solidified her place in television history. Reflecting on her journey, it’s evident that her moment of impatience and frustration could have resulted in a missed opportunity that shaped her career.

Today, Julianna Margulies remains a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, thanks in part to that fateful audition for ER, a show that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.