Synopsis

Kelly Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing. But it is probably her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the modern classic Gilmore Girls that cemented her legacy.

Now, Bishop reflects on her remarkable life and looks towards the future with The Third Gilmore Girl. She shares some of her greatest stories and the life lessons she’s learned on her journey. From her early transition from dance to drama, to marrying young to a compulsive gambler, to the losses and achievements she experienced — among them marching for women’s rights and losing her second husband to cancer — Bishop offers a rich, genuine celebration of her life.

Review

Perhaps best known for the snobbish yet sassy grandma in Gilmore Girls, Kelly Bishop has led a fascinating life.

A trained ballet dancer, she danced in multiple Broadway shows before inspiring and starring in A Chorus Line which won her a Tony Award. Realising that the show is based on real chorus line members entirely changes my perception of the show and I may have to watch it again.

It’s always interesting to hear more about someone who to you is just a character. Kelly and Emily Gilmore may have a lot in common, but there are subtle differences. The way Kelly talks about her husband is heart-warming and it definitely feels like her grief over Richard in A Year in the Life is inspired by her own losses throughout her life.

Her admiration for and friendship with Lauren Graham and Amy S-P also blends fiction and reality, but will be a happy revelation for fans of the show.

As someone who has only seen her in Gilmore Girls – or so I thought – learning about her other roles was wonderful. I’ll also be watching Dirty Dancing again.

Honest, poignant and witty, this memoir brings the woman behind the pearls to life.

Thanks to Vintage Books for my advanced copy. Opinions my own.