The Bookish Ashley

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Kelly Bishop’s memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl, is a heartfelt, witty, and unapologetic deep dive into a life that has spanned over six decades in show business. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls or anything Kelly Bishop has touched—from A Chorus Line to Dirty Dancing—this memoir is sure to captivate. But don’t expect just another collection of Hollywood tales. Instead, you’ll find yourself immersed in a raw, honest account of her life, both on and off the stage.

Why You’ll Love It

The memoir opens with an array of Gilmore Girls anecdotes, which I’m sure is what most readers will come for. However, Bishop quickly moves beyond that to tell the story of how a ballet dancer became one of Broadway’s most unforgettable stars and, later, television royalty. Her journey from the footlights of A Chorus Line to being America’s beloved, sharp-tongued Emily Gilmore is both fascinating and inspiring.

Bishop doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Her candid reflections on marriage, love, and loss are as captivating as her professional triumphs. The memoir takes you through her first marriage to a compulsive gambler, the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood (with all the inevitable sexism), and the painful loss of her second husband. She balances these emotional insights with sharp, witty commentary about the entertainment industry and her feminist activism—marching for women’s rights and staying true to herself through it all.

Standout Moments

One of the best parts of The Third Gilmore Girl is Bishop’s storytelling. Her sharp humor and warmth jump off the page, making you feel as if you’re sitting down for coffee with a longtime friend. Whether she’s recounting backstage mishaps on Broadway or sharing how Gilmore Girls became a beloved cultural touchstone, her words are full of personality. She even gives a behind-the-scenes look at Dirty Dancing, providing anecdotes that will make you want to revisit the movie immediately.

Bishop’s transition from dancer to actress is a story of resilience and evolution, and she shares it all with grace and candor. Her description of winning a Tony Award for A Chorus Line made me feel as though I was right there with her, savoring the triumph. And her reflections on the Emily Gilmore character are especially touching, revealing the depth of connection she felt with that role.

What Could’ve Been Better

While I loved almost every aspect of this memoir, there were moments where I wished for a bit more. Bishop touches on fascinating topics like the systemic challenges of being a woman in the entertainment industry but doesn’t delve as deeply into them as I’d hoped. Given her decades of experience, it feels like there’s a lot more she could unpack, particularly for readers who are also curious about the darker undercurrents of Hollywood.

Final Thoughts

The Third Gilmore Girl is a beautiful reflection on Kelly Bishop’s life and career. It’s equal parts charming, poignant, and revealing, making it a must-read for fans of her work. Whether you’re here for the Emily Gilmore memories or to learn about her Broadway beginnings, this memoir has something for everyone. Bishop’s voice shines through, and by the end, you’ll not only have a deeper appreciation for her as an actress but as a woman who’s lived her life unapologetically.

With its mix of personal and professional anecdotes, The Third Gilmore Girl earns its 4.5-star rating. It’s not just for fans of Gilmore Girls—it’s for anyone who enjoys stories of perseverance, humor, and heart.