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About The Book

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Come for the Gilmore Girls anecdotes, stay for the revealing truths about what it takes to build a lifelong career in and out of Hollywood” (The A.V. Club) in this candid and captivating memoir from award-winning and beloved actress Kelly Bishop, spanning her six decades in show business from A Chorus Line, Dirty Dancing, Gilmore Girls, and much more.

Kelly Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing. But it is probably her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the modern classic Gilmore Girls that cemented her legacy.

Now, Bishop reflects on her remarkable life and looks towards the future with The Third Gilmore Girl. She shares some of her greatest stories and the life lessons she’s learned on her journey. From her early transition from dance to drama, to marrying young to a compulsive gambler, to the losses and achievements she experienced—among them marching for women’s rights and losing her second husband to cancer—Bishop offers a rich, genuine celebration of her life.

Full of witty insights and featuring a special collection of personal and professional photographs, The Third Gilmore Girl is a warm, unapologetic, and spirited memoir from a woman who has left indelible impressions on her audiences for decades and has no plans on slowing down.

About The Author

Photograph (c) Chad Griffith/ Day Reps

Kelly Bishop is a dancer and actress best known for her roles as matriarch Emily Gilmore in the beloved Emmy Award–winning show Gilmore Girls and as Marjorie Houseman in the hit film Dirty Dancing. Born in Colorado Springs in 1944, Bishop first moved to New York at age eighteen to pursue a career in ballet. Years later, her breakthrough performance originating the role of Sheila Bryant in the iconic musical A Chorus Line earned her a Tony as well as a Drama Desk Award. Pivoting from dancing to acting, Bishop’s onscreen credits include Six Degrees of Separation, Law & Order: SVU, The Good Wife, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and others. She lives in New Jersey.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Gallery Books (September 17, 2024)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781668023792

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Raves and Reviews

“[O]ne of the most anticipated books of the year.” —New York Post

“This warm and witty read is an ode to following your heart.” —People

"Gilmore Girls fans who are always looking for more insight into their favorite show should grab a cup of coffee and start reading." –Us Weekly

“Candid and down-to-earth.” –Los Angeles Times

"Bold, unapologetic, and inspiring, Kelly tells her story exactly as she lives her life. On her own terms. Gee…I wish I could be like her when I grow up." —Sutton Foster, Tony Award-winning actress

“Kelly Bishop is a remarkable person with remarkable stories to tell. I cherish every long lunch and late work night I’ve ever had with her, sharing stories of our careers and love lives, our ups and downs, our disappointments and hopes. This book feels like one of those special encounters—it’s a satisfying conversation with a treasured friend.” —Lauren Graham, New York Times bestselling author of Talking As Fast As I Can

"The Third Gilmore Girl is a 'Number One'. I loved it! She’s sassy, she’s funny, she’s honest…she’s a winner!" —Priscilla Lopez, Tony Award-winning actor

"Come for the Gilmore Girls anecdotes, stay for the revealing truths about what it takes to build a lifelong career in and out of Hollywood." —AV Club

"A beautiful story of resilience, grief, love, and the importance of staying true to yourself...The Third Gilmore Girl is my favorite memoir of the year." —Audible Blog

“[Bishop’s] story is one of perseverance and good old-fashioned chutzpah…a definitively dishy read, written with warmth and refreshing frankness about the hard work and luck that contributed to her career… A captivating narrative, engagingly told.” —Library Journal

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