Entertainment

ER Celebrates 30 Years: The Original Cast Then and Now

2024-09-19

In a moment that will make fans of the beloved medical drama ER feel nostalgic, we take a look back at the iconic cast members who brought life to County General Hospital over the years. With the show celebrating its 30th anniversary, let’s see what the original crew is up to today!
Anthony Edwards (Dr. Mark Greene)

Anthony Edwards, now 62, captivated audiences as Dr. Mark Greene for eight seasons, leaving a lasting impact with his character's tragic death from brain cancer in the unforgettable Season 8 episode "On the Beach." Though Edwards's tenure on ER ended, he made a poignant return through flashbacks in the show's final season. Since ER, he has appeared in various notable series, including ABC's Zero Hour, NBC's Law & Order: True Crime, Apple TV+'s WeCrashed, and Netflix's Designated Survivor and Inventing Anna.

George Clooney (Dr. Doug Ross)

At 63, George Clooney has come a long way since his breakout role as pediatrician Doug Ross. Clooney's journey included a memorable exit in Season 5 and a delightful return for special cameos in later seasons. His post-ER career has been nothing short of stellar, featuring renowned films and a supporting role in Hulu's miniseries Catch-22, further cementing his status as a Hollywood A-lister.

Sherry Stringfield (Dr. Susan Lewis)

Sherry Stringfield, now 57, made headlines when she departed ER early in Season 3, but she later returned as a series regular in Season 8. Stringfield's post-ER projects included HBO's Tell Me You Love Me and CBS's Under the Dome. While she last appeared on television in 2017, fans still remember her significant contributions to the show.

Noah Wyle (Dr. John Carter)

Now 53, Noah Wyle’s role as the beloved Dr. John Carter is etched in the hearts of fans. With 11 seasons under his belt and a record of 254 episodes—more than any other cast member—Wyle remains a standout from the original cast. His post-ER career spans multiple successful series, including The Red Line and The Librarians. Fans can anticipate his return to the small screen in the upcoming medical drama The Pitt, which is set to premiere in 2025, despite a legal dispute involving the show's source material.

Julianna Margulies (Nurse Carol Hathaway)

At 58, Julianna Margulies left ER after six impactful years, even turning down a lucrative $27 million contract to pursue other opportunities. Margulies made a grand return alongside Clooney in the series finale, reuniting fans with one of the show's most beloved pairs. Her illustrious career continued with leading roles in series like The Good Wife and Apple TV+'s The Morning Show.

Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton)

Eriq La Salle, now 62, portrayed the complex character of Dr. Peter Benton for seven and a half years. After his initial departure in Season 8, La Salle made a memorable return during Edward's farewell episode and again in the series finale. His post-ER work includes roles in CBS's A Gifted Man and the Hallmark film A Second Chance at Love, where he reunited with co-star Gloria Reuben.

What's Next for the ER Stars?

As ER celebrates 30 years of groundbreaking storytelling and unforgettable characters, fans can look forward to seeing more of their favorite stars in upcoming projects. With iconic performances and powerful narratives, the impact of ER on the television landscape remains as strong as ever. Who knows what exciting news will come next for these beloved actors? Stay tuned!