The Remarkable Parallel: Edward Herrmann's Astounding Resemblance to His Character Richard in Gilmore Girls

Summary

Herrmann's unwavering commitment mirrored the dedication of his character Richard, and he garnered admiration and affection from both his real-life family and the cast of Gilmore Girls.

Kelly Bishop, who portrayed the character of Emily, noted that Edward Herrmann, who played Richard, possessed an "elitist attitude" similar to his character, yet remained on good terms with everyone. Furthermore, Herrmann's mischievous nature surfaced on the set of the revival, adding some playful moments. In the television series Gilmore Girls, Herrmann portrayed the role of Richard Gilmore, showcasing resemblances between the actor and the character. The show revolves around Lorelai, a single mother raising her teenage daughter Rory, with hopes of Rory attending an Ivy League university. Lorelai's inability to pay for Rory's private high school prompts her estranged parents, Richard and Emily, to lend her the required funds, with the condition that Lorelai and Rory spend more time with them. Through this premise, the show delves into various parent-child relationships and societal expectations as Rory and Lorelai become immersed in Richard and Emily's upscale environment.

Hermann made his appearance as Richard throughout all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls. Sadly, he passed away in 2014, prior to the filming of the 2016 revival miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Before portraying Richard Gilmore, Hermann had already achieved great acclaim, winning a Tony Award for his exceptional performance in Mrs. Warren's Profession and an Emmy Award for his outstanding guest-acting in The Practice. Though his noteworthy career in theatre, TV, and movies encompassed numerous roles, Hermann is best remembered by Gilmore Girls enthusiasts for bringing Richard to life.

Edward Herrmann Was A Family Man Like His Gilmore Girls Character Richard

Richard takes pride in his achievements and reputation in Gilmore Girls, but he also has a special devotion to Emily, Lorelai, and Rory. His absence following Edward Herrmann's death was deeply felt by the cast, especially since it occurred just before the greenlighting of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. During the premiere of the revival, Kelly Bishop, who plays Emily, expressed how Herrmann's passing had a profound impact on his family and the cast. She shared with People, "I assured his wife that the experience would be bittersweet. She would understandably feel sadness, but also immense pride because he remains an integral part of the show, as if he were still here with us."

Edward Herrmann's Mischievous Streak Lived On In Gilmore Girls

Ryen Herrmann, the daughter of Herrmann, also attended the premiere of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and expressed to People that her father found joy in being a part of the Gilmore Girls cast, much like he cherished his own family. She described his perspective, stating, "To him, waking up and going to work wasn't just about work. It was about getting to spend time with his extended family." The response to his passing demonstrates that Edward Herrmann not only shared Richard's unwavering dedication, but also earned the admiration and affection of his own family and the entire Gilmore Girls cast.

Richard, the character from Gilmore Girls, is often seen wearing a well-tailored suit and has a passion for academia. Every now and then, Richard likes to engage in playful banter with others. Kelly Bishop, who played a role in the show, believes that Edward Herrmann, the actor who portrayed Richard, exhibited a similar duality in his personality. Bishop revealed to People that Herrmann had an "elitist attitude" while still maintaining friendships with people from all walks of life. Just as Richard had a mischievous side, Bishop believes that Herrmann's spirit played a little prank during the filming of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. After Bishop requested Herrmann to greet her on set, the lights suddenly went out. Bishop interpreted this occurrence as a sign that Edward Herrmann had decided to "turn the lights off."