The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop Summary

1. "The Third Gilmore Girl" reveals Emily mirrored Kelly's grandmother
2. Bishop's "A Chorus Line" launched her Broadway-to-Hollywood career
3. Gambler husband taught Bishop resilience through financial instability
4. Husband's cancer reshaped Bishop's perspective on grief
5. Bishop credits "Gilmore Girls" ensemble for television magic
6. Ballet to acting required Bishop to reinvent herself
7. Bishop marched for women's rights before feminist characters
8. "Lee Left" phrasing reflects Bishop's refusal to say "died"
9. Bishop's career proves longevity requires reinvention and resilience
10. "Dirty Dancing" paralleled Bishop's mother-daughter relationship insights
11. Bishop continues acting in her 80s to honor husband
12. "Gilmore Girls" fans gain perspective on Emily's motivations

About the Author

Kelly Bishop, award-winning actress and dancer, shares her remarkable life journey in her memoir The Third Gilmore Girl. Born in Colorado Springs in 1944, Bishop began her career as a ballet dancer before transitioning to acting—a shift that led to her Tony Award-winning role in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line. She gained iconic status as Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls and Marjorie Houseman in Dirty Dancing, roles that defined her six-decade Hollywood legacy.

This memoir explores themes of resilience, loss (including her second husband’s death), and triumph, drawing from Bishop’s experiences with gambling addiction in her first marriage and her activism for women’s rights.

Blending wit and candor, she reflects on her evolution from performer to pop-culture matriarch. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller and won the 2024 Goodreads Choice Award for Memoir, solidifying Bishop’s enduring cultural impact.

FAQs About This Book

What is The Third Gilmore Girl about?

The Third Gilmore Girl is Kelly Bishop’s memoir chronicling her six-decade career in show business and personal journey. It covers her transition from ballet dancer to Tony Award-winning actress in A Chorus Line, iconic roles in Dirty Dancing and Gilmore Girls, marriages, activism for women’s rights, and coping with personal losses. Blending witty insights with personal photographs, the book celebrates resilience and legacy in Hollywood.

Who is Kelly Bishop?

Kelly Bishop is an award-winning American actress and dancer born in 1944, best known as Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls and Marjorie Houseman in Dirty Dancing. Starting as a ballet dancer at 18, she originated the role of Sheila in A Chorus Line (winning a Tony), later defining her legacy in film and TV. Her career spans Broadway to Hollywood, marked by authenticity and perseverance.

Who should read The Third Gilmore Girl?

Fans of Gilmore Girls, Dirty Dancing, or Broadway history will appreciate Bishop’s behind-the-scenes stories. It’s equally valuable for readers interested in memoirs about resilience, women in entertainment, or navigating grief and career reinvention. With humor and honesty, Bishop addresses universal themes like loss and empowerment, making it ideal for those seeking inspiration from a pioneering artist.

Is The Third Gilmore Girl worth reading?

Yes—it won the 2024 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Memoir and debuted as a New York Times bestseller. Critics praise its candid charm (Los Angeles Times) and "warm, witty" storytelling (People). Bishop’s unapologetic reflections on marriage, grief, and Hollywood offer both emotional depth and celebratory insights, solidifying its acclaim.

What personal struggles does Kelly Bishop share?

Bishop openly discusses marrying a compulsive gambler young, losing her second husband to cancer, and her decision to have an abortion. She balances these with achievements like marching for women’s rights and career milestones, framing hardships as catalysts for growth. Her resilience underscores the memoir’s theme: embracing life authentically despite trauma.

How does Bishop reflect on her Gilmore Girls legacy?

She acknowledges Emily Gilmore as her most iconic role, cementing her cultural impact. The memoir delves into on-set experiences and how the character resonated globally, though Bishop clarifies her identity extends beyond it. She shares how the show’s success allowed creative freedom and deepened her connection with fans.

What makes this memoir distinctive?

Unlike typical celebrity memoirs, The Third Gilmore Girl blends professional anecdotes with profound life lessons—like navigating sexism in Hollywood or finding strength after loss. Bishop’s writing balances wit with vulnerability, enhanced by personal photographs. Its focus on reinvention (from ballet to acting) and advocacy adds layered depth.

What accolades has the book received?

Beyond the Goodreads Choice Award and NYT bestseller status, it earned raves: Us Weekly calls it "essential for Gilmore fans," while Sutton Foster hails Bishop’s "unapologetic spirit." People praises its "heart," and Lauren Graham commends its "satisfying, treasured-friend" tone. Critical consensus highlights its emotional resonance.

How does Bishop address grief and resilience?

She frames grief as transformative, detailing her husband’s death from cancer and using activism/art as healing tools. Bishop advocates "moving forward without apology," linking resilience to her career pivots and personal values. This perspective turns pain into purposeful storytelling, offering readers actionable wisdom.

What career insights stand out?

Key themes include adapting to industry shifts (ballet to acting), advocating for artistic integrity, and valuing collaboration. Bishop credits A Chorus Line for teaching perseverance and Gilmore Girls for highlighting nuanced female roles. Her advice: prioritize passion over perfection and embrace reinvention.

How does the memoir use visuals?

Personal and professional photographs punctuate each chapter, offering glimpses into Bishop’s childhood, Broadway days, and Gilmore Girls era. These images contextualize her narratives—like behind-the-scenes moments or family milestones—enhancing the book’s intimate, scrapbook-like appeal.

What life lessons structure the memoir?

Bishop distills six decades into core lessons:

• Embrace change (e.g., leaving ballet for acting).
• Resilience is self-defined (overcoming gambler spouse, widowhood).
• Advocate fiercely (women’s rights, artistic control).

Her candid framing turns anecdotes into universal takeaways for readers.