The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir: By Kelly Bishop (Book Review)

Kelly Bishop, known for her iconic role as Emily Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, presents a candid reflection on her life and career in her memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl. The memoir offers readers an insider’s look at Bishop’s six decades in the entertainment industry, touching on her experience in theater, film, and television. While fans of Gilmore Girls will certainly appreciate the behind-the-scenes insights, the memoir spans much more than just her time on the show.

A Journey Through Showbiz

One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its comprehensive coverage of Bishop’s career. From her early days in ballet to her transition to Broadway, where she won a Tony Award for her performance in A Chorus Line, Bishop showcases her resilience and versatility. Her reflections on the discipline of ballet and the competitive nature of Broadway provide a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced before transitioning to television and film. This section of the memoir is particularly enlightening for readers unfamiliar with her early work, as it highlights the dedication and hard work required to build a successful career in show business.

Gilmore Girls Anecdotes

Of course, no memoir by Kelly Bishop would be complete without stories from the set of Gilmore Girls. In this memoir, Bishop details her experiences playing Emily Gilmore, the complex and often misunderstood matriarch. She shares her favorite moments from the show, her close relationship with co-star Ed Herrmann (who played Richard Gilmore), and the intricacies of working with the show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino.

While fans will likely cherish these anecdotes, some readers may feel that the memoir doesn’t delve deep enough into the Gilmore Girls era. According to some reviews, there is more focus on Bishop’s earlier career and less on the show that arguably defined her legacy for many viewers​. That being said, the stories that are included provide a unique glimpse into her approach to the character and the chemistry among the cast members.

Personal Reflections and Relationships

Bishop’s memoir is also a touching exploration of her personal life. She speaks openly about her relationship with her mother, which had a profound impact on her career choices and life perspective. Additionally, her bond with her second husband is a recurring theme in the book, illustrating the love and support that sustained her through her ups and downs in Hollywood.

This personal angle gives the memoir a heartwarming touch, as readers get to see the person behind the characters she portrayed. Bishop’s reflections on her marriage and the strong bond with her mother offer a touching counterpoint to the glamour of showbiz.

A Woman in a Man’s World

One of the standout themes in The Third Gilmore Girl is Bishop’s discussion of her experiences as a woman navigating the male-dominated entertainment industry. Throughout her career, she faced the challenges of sexism, both on and off set. In the memoir, she shares stories of standing her ground and advocating for herself in situations where her voice was often overlooked. Bishop’s candidness about these struggles is inspiring and serves as a reminder of the obstacles many women in Hollywood continue to face.

Pros and Cons of the Memoir

Pros:

• A detailed and honest look at Kelly Bishop’s entire career, from Broadway to television.
• Touching personal stories that give readers a glimpse into her relationships and values.
• Engaging writing that captures the essence of her wit and wisdom.

Cons:

• Some readers may feel that the memoir spends too much time on her pre-Gilmore Girls career, with fewer stories about the show itself than expected.
• While her anecdotes are captivating, certain fans might crave more detailed accounts of her time as Emily Gilmore.

Final Thoughts

The Third Gilmore Girl is an engaging and heartwarming memoir that not only offers behind-the-scenes stories from Gilmore Girls but also provides readers with a broader understanding of Kelly Bishop’s illustrious career. Her reflections on life, love, and the challenges of show business make this a compelling read for both fans of her work and those interested in the entertainment industry. While some may wish for more focus on her time as Emily Gilmore, the memoir’s breadth and depth give readers a well-rounded picture of an actress whose influence extends far beyond Stars Hollow.

In summary, The Third Gilmore Girl is a must-read for any fan of Kelly Bishop, offering an intimate look at the life of an actress who has spent decades in the spotlight with grace, strength, and humor.

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