Summary
-
The cast of
Gilmore Girls
has gone on to act in various roles, but they will always be connected to the beloved universe of the show. -
The relatable struggles, entangled relationships, and unique quirks of the characters are what captivate audiences and make
Gilmore Girls
enduring. - The varied ages of the main characters, played by actors close in age to their on-screen counterparts, contribute to the wide appeal and relatability of the show.
Gilmore Girls is a comfort show defined by a fast-talking, coffee-drinking cast of characters who found a forever spot in viewers’ minds before the actors who played them moved on to other projects. The characters were captivating due to their relatable struggles, entangled relationships, and unique quirks. Over a decade passed, and one revival show later, Gilmore Girls continues to hook the audience with its relevant themes.
The Gilmore Girls cast went on to act in different roles in film, theater, and television, but their identities are forever linked to the incredible universe that Amy Sherman-Palladino created. The profound impact they have left through the series will remain a testament to the show’s lasting success. Part of the reason Gilmore Girls main characters’ have such wide appeal is their varied ages. Most of the actors who played them weren’t far in age from their on-screen counterparts.
13 Lauren Graham (33) As Lorelai Gilmore (32)
Gilmore Girls’ fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore was played by Lauren Graham, who was 33 years old when she joined the cast and 40 years old by the series finale. At the heart of Gilmore Girls is the relationship between Lorelai and her daughter, Rory, though her tense connection with her parents also plays a big role. When she gets pregnant at 16, Lorelai makes the harsh decision to leave her wealthy parents’ estate and raise Rory on her own. Lorelai doesn’t celebrate her birthday frequently on-screen, but one season 3 episode sees her turning 35. This means she’s 32 when the show opens, making her just a year younger than Graham.
12 Alexis Bledel (19) As Rory Gilmore (16)
Alexis Bledel was just 19 when she began playing 16-year-old Rory Gilmore, a role she continued until she was 25. Bledel played the part of the high-achieving daughter of Lorelai, whose life is a blend of Stars Hollow quirkiness and Ivy League ambition. Her journey from a small-town girl to a Yale graduate captures the essence of Gilmore Girls, highlighting the unique relationship she has with her mother. Rory’s relationships, educational pursuits, and career aspirations offer a relatable coming-of-age story that resonates with viewers, making her one of the most enduring characters in the series.
11 Kelly Bishop (56) As Emily Gilmore (Early 50s)
Kelly Bishop was 56 years old when she first started playing Emily Gilmore, and she continued in the role till the age of 63. One of the most well-known characters in Gilmore Girls, the grandmother of the Gilmore family is a portrayal of upper-class society in Hartford, Connecticut. Even though she has a dramatic relationship with Lorelai, Emily uses every manipulation tactic in her book to ensure that she gets to have a relationship with her granddaughter Rory. Emily roots for Rory’s success every step of the way, hoping to make up for her daughter’s shortcomings and be a source of pride for the family.
10 Edward Herrmann (57) As Richard Gilmore (Early 50s)
Edward Herrmann was 57 years old in the first episode of Gilmore Girls, portraying a character in his early 50s. He played Richard Gilmore until the series finale, when he was 64. Richard plays a pivotal role in Gilmore Girls, and his absence is felt in Netflix’s Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life revival. The actor passed away in 2014, and the revival includes a touching tribute to his character. The patriarch represents the traditional values that Lorelai often clashes with, and that’s responsible for the lack of communication in the father-daughter dynamic. However, Richard’s relationship with his granddaughter is an adorably close one.
9 Melissa McCarthy (30) As Sookie St. James (Early 30s)
Melissa McCarthy was 30 years old when she made her debut as Sookie St. James, and she was 37 in her final appearance of Gilmore Girls. McCarthy offered a peek at her comedic abilities through her role as the loving cook and Lorelai’s best friend. The fact that Sookie and Lorelai seem to be around the same age brings attention to the connection they have and makes their friendship that much more relatable.
8 Scott Patterson (42) As Luke Danes (Mid To Late 30s)
Scott Patterson was 42 years old when he began portraying Stars Hollows’ loyal, rough-around-the-edges diner owner and 49 by Gilmore Girls‘ conclusion. Luke became an icon known for his plaid shirts and endless supply of coffee. Luke has remained a reliable friend to Lorelai and a love interest that viewers have rooted for for years. Luke went through a lot of transformations after his first appearance in Gilmore Girls, and the series indicates that the character is a bit older than Lorelai — but not by much.
7 Keiko Agena (27) As Lane Kim (16)
When it comes to the Gilmore Girls’ cast ages, perhaps the biggest surprise is that Keiko Agena, who played Rory’s friend Lane Kim, was 27 years old when she first joined the series. Like Rory, Lane is 16 years old when Gilmore Girls opens, so there’s a significant age difference between her and the actor who plays her. Rory’s rebellious rock-n-roll best friend is a steadfast part of her life. The show highlights her transition from a teen trying to navigate living with a conservative upbringing to a young adult with her own rock band and twins. Some believe Gilmore Girls failed Lane Kim, leaving her dreams unfulfilled.
6 Jared Padalecki (18) As Dean Forester (16)
Rory’s first love interest, Dean Forester, was played by Jared Padalecki, who was just 18 years old when Gilmore Girls premiered. Padalecki was 23 when he made his final appearance in Gilmore Girls season 5. Dean is a central figure in Rory’s teenage life, and he’s 16 years old when they begin dating. Their relationship starts out as a wholesome teenage love, and as it progresses, it becomes more complicated, leading Rory to eventually leave Dean for Jess Mariano.
5 Milo Ventimiglia (24) As Jess Mariano (18)
Heartthrob actor Milo Ventimiglia was 24 when he first started playing Jess Mariano, the rebellious teen who brings a bit of trouble to Rory’s life. When he first appears in Gilmore Girls season 2, Jess is a troubled 18-year-old sent to live with his uncle Luke, who hopes to straighten him out. The romantic storyline between Jess and Rory evolves over the years, with Jess’ character adding more drama and unpredictability to the show.
4 Matt Czuchry (28) As Logan Huntzberger (22)
Matt Czuchry was 28 years old when he first appeared as Logan Huntzberger in season 5 of Gilmore Girls, and he was 30 when the character made his exit. Logan is Rory’s third boyfriend, who first shows up at the age of 22 in the Gilmore Girls episode “Written in the Stars”. As Rory’s life begins to evolve at Yale University, her relationship with Logan brings her into a world of wealth and privilege. Logan is a rich and charming — but sometimes reckless — boyfriend. His relationship with Rory introduces a new dynamic as he showers her with grand gestures and lavish gifts.
3 Liza Weil (23) As Paris Geller (16)
Liza Weil was 23 years old when she started portraying the ambitious, nervous, and fast-talking Paris Geller in Gilmore Girls‘ episode “The Lorelais’ First Day at Chilton.” The actor was 30 years old by her last appearance in “Unto the Breach.” Beginning her Gilmore Girls run at 16, Paris is fiercely competitive with Rory when she first joins the exclusive school of Chilton. Self-motivated and stressed out most of the time, Paris transforms into a mature adult and a loyal friend to Rory.
2 Yanic Truesdale (30) As Michel Gerard (Late 20s)
Yanic Truesdale was 30 when he first played the beloved Michel Gerard. The sarcastic concierge who works with Lorelai at the inn provides a humorous comedic addition to Lorelai and Sookie, albeit with a less bubbly personality. Even though he was a few years older than his on-screen character, Truesdale played the role impeccably, leaving an impression with his accent and quick insults.
1 Sean Gunn (26) As Kirk Gleason (Late 20s)
Sean Gunn was 26 when he first brought the quirky Kirk Gleason to life in Gilmore Girls, playing a character roughly in his late 20s. Kirk is one of many characters that represents the small town of Stars Hollow, and he holds an odd number of jobs. His presence and entrepreneurial spirit are always a source of comedy, leading Quirk to have some of the best moments in Gilmore Girls.