The Third Gilmore Girl Summary, Analysis and Themes
The Third Gilmore Girl is a heartfelt and candid memoir by Kelly Bishop, the beloved actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls. Spanning six decades, Bishop reflects on her extraordinary career, which includes Broadway triumphs, Hollywood success, and a rich personal journey.
From her Tony Award-winning role in A Chorus Line to her unforgettable performance in Dirty Dancing and her indelible presence in Gilmore Girls, this memoir is a poignant account of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of passion in a demanding industry.
Summary
In The Third Gilmore Girl, Kelly Bishop offers an intimate glimpse into her life, sharing stories from her illustrious career and personal experiences that shaped her as both an actress and an individual. Born in 1944, Kelly grew up in a challenging family environment with an alcoholic father and a strong, supportive mother.
Her love for dance began early, and her mother’s commitment to nurturing her talent led to Kelly’s pursuit of ballet.
However, the rejection by the American Ballet Company in her youth set the stage for a major shift in her life, prompting Kelly to reinvent her dreams.
Starting out as a ballet dancer at Radio City Music Hall, she later found herself in Las Vegas performing as a showgirl.
The physically demanding schedule left her burnt out, leading her to reconsider her path. It was in New York that Kelly made the brave transition from dance to acting, rejecting chorus work to pursue acting roles—a risky decision that would define the rest of her career.
Kelly’s big break came with the Broadway production A Chorus Line. She originated the role of Sheila, a character based on her own experiences, and the role earned her a Tony Award.
However, her complicated relationship with the show’s director, Michael Bennett, added an intriguing layer to the story of A Chorus Line. Kelly was both critical of Bennett’s manipulative nature and in awe of his creative brilliance. Despite these tensions, the success of the show propelled Kelly into the limelight.
The memoir continues with Kelly’s entry into film, where her role as Baby’s mother in Dirty Dancing would forever mark her career. What began as a small part turned into a defining role, as the film became a cultural phenomenon.
Kelly’s involvement in the film, though unexpected, was a testament to her versatility and willingness to embrace opportunities, even when they didn’t align with her usual artistic preferences.
The book then shifts to Kelly’s personal life.
She married Lee Leonard, a television host, and the couple shared a supportive and loving relationship. Despite hardships, including Lee’s battle with cancer, Kelly found solace and stability in her marriage.
Her second marriage was marred by tragedy, as her first husband’s compulsive gambling caused financial ruin, but she remained determined to carve out a successful career.
The pinnacle of Kelly’s television career came with Gilmore Girls, where she portrayed the strong yet emotionally complex Emily Gilmore.
Her audition for the role, the chemistry with her co-stars, and her deep connection with the character reflect Kelly’s investment in the show.
Kelly’s portrayal of Emily resonated with audiences, and the bonds she formed with co-stars, particularly Edward Herrmann, who played Richard Gilmore, were integral to her experience on set.
The memoir also touches on the Gilmore Girls revival, A Year in the Life, where Kelly feels that Emily’s story was beautifully concluded.
As the memoir closes, Kelly reflects on her career with a sense of fulfillment and wisdom, driven by a passion for performance that remains undimmed. Her journey, marked by resilience, reinvention, and profound connections, is a testament to the enduring power of perseverance, both on and off the stage.
Analysis and Themes
The Power of Reinvention and Resilience Amidst Adversity
Kelly Bishop’s life and career stand as a testament to the power of reinvention and the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable terrain of show business. From her early rejection as a ballerina to her eventual success in Broadway and film, Bishop’s story highlights the importance of adapting to challenges and evolving in the face of setbacks.
Her decision to pivot from ballet to acting in New York City after being turned away from the American Ballet Company was a defining moment in her career. Despite the financial instability that came with her decision to refuse chorus roles and pursue acting, Bishop’s persistence in redefining herself as a performer led to monumental achievements like her Tony Award for A Chorus Line and her breakthrough roles in Dirty Dancing and Gilmore Girls.
Throughout her life, she faced personal difficulties, from the collapse of her first marriage to the challenges of caring for a terminally ill spouse. Yet, these trials only strengthened her resolve, and she emerged as a stronger, more dedicated artist.
This theme of resilience runs through every phase of her career, reflecting how her capacity to evolve kept her relevant in the entertainment industry for over six decades.
The Complexities of Family Dynamics and Their Influence on Identity
Bishop’s exploration of her personal family dynamics provides profound insight into how formative relationships can influence one’s identity and career. Her childhood, marked by the tumultuous presence of an alcoholic and unfaithful father, and the loving yet strained relationship with her mother, shaped her understanding of relationships and family.
The memoir reveals how these dynamics mirrored those found in her role as Emily Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, where a cold and controlling mother-daughter relationship played a central theme. The parallel between her own experiences with her grandmother and the character of Emily allowed Bishop to tap into deeper emotional layers, adding complexity to her portrayal of Emily Gilmore.
The friction and love between Lorelai and Emily reflect the similar tensions Bishop observed within her own family. The complexities of familial relationships in Bishop’s life also influenced how she approached the roles she played, particularly in portraying strong, yet vulnerable women like Emily, showing how one’s background can shape the depth of a character’s portrayal.
Shifting From Dance to Acting and the Importance of Creative Expression
Kelly Bishop’s transition from ballet dancer to Broadway star, and eventually to iconic television actress, illustrates her deep commitment to the arts and the transformative power of creative expression. Her journey, which began as a young dancer, was built on a passion for the performing arts, but also on the understanding that artistry requires evolution.
Bishop’s early years in New York as a ballerina were marked by rejection, but this did not deter her. Instead, she embraced new opportunities in the broader world of performance, leading her to Broadway’s A Chorus Line, where she not only found a platform for her talent but also an opportunity to make her personal story part of the show’s cultural fabric.
Her eventual pivot to acting in films like Dirty Dancing and Gilmore Girls further highlighted her ability to redefine herself and take on roles that allowed her to stretch as an artist. In addition to her acting prowess, Bishop also celebrates the importance of collaboration within the creative process.
Her relationship with Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of Gilmore Girls, exemplifies how working with visionary creators can enhance an actor’s performance and allow for greater personal investment in the material. Through this lens, Bishop’s memoir becomes not just a personal story, but a tribute to the performing arts as a medium for personal reinvention and growth.
The Enduring Value of Professional Integrity and Advocating for Oneself
A defining theme in Kelly Bishop’s memoir is the importance of professional integrity and the courage to advocate for oneself, even when it means going against the grain. Early in her career, Bishop was faced with significant professional dilemmas, including her strained relationship with A Chorus Line director Michael Bennett and her decision to leave the show rather than participate in a national tour that she felt was unfair to the audience.
This bold move, driven by a sense of integrity, led to her estrangement from Bennett but also cemented her personal commitment to upholding her values. In a world where competition and manipulation often overshadow ethical concerns, Bishop’s decisions to prioritize personal authenticity over industry expectations set her apart.
Later, she demonstrated the same sense of advocacy in her marriage and personal life, particularly during her first marriage, where she had to fight not just for her financial stability, but also for her peace of mind amidst the pressures of living with a compulsive gambler. Her ability to assert herself and remain true to her values, both in her personal and professional spheres, is a central aspect of her memoir and a source of inspiration for anyone navigating industries where personal integrity can often be compromised.
Dealing with Loss, Grief, and the Continuing Desire for Artistic Fulfillment
Loss and grief are recurring themes in Kelly Bishop’s life, and her memoir poignantly examines how these experiences have shaped her both as a person and an artist. The tragic death of her second husband, Lee Leonard, following multiple battles with cancer, was a defining moment in her life. She describes how, during this period, she leaned into her work, finding solace and purpose in her creative pursuits.
Grief, however, did not mark the end of her career but rather served as a catalyst for greater artistic fulfillment. After losing her husband, Bishop embraced her work with renewed vigor, reflecting her belief in the importance of intuition and spirituality in navigating life’s difficult moments.
This theme of finding purpose amidst personal loss is reflected not only in her professional journey but also in her ongoing desire to contribute to the arts. Her continued work in shows like Bunheads and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel demonstrated her commitment to creative expression, showing that even in the face of profound loss, the pursuit of one’s craft can be both a source of healing and a testament to enduring passion.