For many, the name Kelly Bishop is synonymous with the matriarchal character Emily Gilmore in the television series “The Gilmore Girls.” But Bishop’s long and storied career includes incredible hits from her role as Marjorie Houseman in “Dirty Dancing” to Sheila in the original Broadway cast of “A Chorus Line,” which earned her a Tony Award.
Now Bishop has penned “The Third Gilmore Girl,” a memoir reflecting back on her life in Hollywood and Broadway. WBUR assistant managing editor Meagan McGinnes-Bessey sat down for an conversation with Bishop to discuss the book and revisit highlights from her career through photos and video.
About “The Third Gilmore Girl”
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.
Full of witty insights and featuring a special collection of personal and professional photographs, “The Third Gilmore Girl” is a warm, unapologetic and spirited memoir from a woman who has left indelible impressions on her audiences for decades and has no plans on slowing down.