Behind the scenes of Gilmore Girls, A Chorus Line, and Dirty Dancing – in The Third Gilmore Girl, Kelly Bishop offers a captivating memoir that delves into her storied career, from her iconic role as Emily Gilmore to her experiences on Broadway, giving fans a heartfelt glimpse behind the scenes of her remarkable journey. Formerly Carole Bishop, the Tony Award winner originally trained as a ballerina, growing up in Colorado. While Bishop has had a fascinating career, the real charm of this book is in getting to know the woman off-camera.
Kelly Bishop demonstrates the importance of staying positive, believing in yourself, and celebrating the achievements of others. She has a refreshing approach to stardom, revealing the difficulties she faced, from failed relationships to abortions to the painful loss of her mother. Her memoir is honest and moving, encouraging readers to follow their dreams and remember that it’s never too late. She’s a woman that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.
Kelly Bishop’s book felt like reading a real-life account of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Bishop’s life has been full of glitz and glam, as well as heartbreak and grief. She emphasises the importance of good friendships and the ability to find joy in the most unexpected places. She lovingly describes her second husband, Lee Leonard, an American television personality, and his long battle with cancer and death in 2018, recalling how they always encouraged each other to follow their dreams, even when it meant being apart.
While I would always welcome more behind-the-scenes details from Gilmore Girls, Kelly Bishop’s memoir focuses on her life journey – how she became the wonderful Emily Gilmore we know and love and the inspiring woman she has evolved into since the cameras stopped rolling in 2007.
Photo: Book Cover of “The Third Gilmore Girl“