A Star’s Journey from Ballet Shoes to Emmy Gold
From the bright lights of Broadway to the small-town charm of Stars Hollow, Kelly Bishop has graced stages and screens with her luminous talent for over six decades. In her long-awaited memoir “The Third Gilmore Girl,” Bishop pirouettes through the highs and lows of her remarkable life and career with the poise of a prima ballerina and the wit of, well, Emily Gilmore.
This isn’t just another Hollywood tell-all. Bishop’s story pulses with the rhythm of a life fully lived—each chapter a movement in a grander symphony of triumphs, heartbreaks, and hard-won wisdom. With refreshing candor and self-deprecating humor, she invites readers backstage for an intimate look at the woman behind the roles that made her a household name.
From Pointe Shoes to Tony Gold: A Star is Born
Bishop’s tale begins not with dreams of stardom, but with the simple joy of a little girl discovering dance in her mother’s basement. Her recollections of those early days in Colorado Springs are tinged with both nostalgia and clear-eyed honesty about her family dynamics. The strained relationship between her parents casts a shadow, but it’s her mother’s unwavering support that propels young Carole (as she was then known) towards her passion.
Finding Her Footing in the Big Apple
The narrative takes flight as an 18-year-old Bishop arrives in New York City, starry-eyed and determined to make it as a dancer. Her accounts of life as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette and her forays into the glittering world of Las Vegas showgirls are peppered with colorful anecdotes that bring the era vividly to life. Bishop doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects of a dancer’s life—the grueling rehearsals, meager paychecks, and constant pressure to stay thin and youthful.
A Chorus Line: The Role of a Lifetime
The heart of the book undoubtedly lies in Bishop’s retelling of her involvement with “A Chorus Line.” Her journey from initial workshops to Tony Award-winning triumph is a masterclass in perseverance and the collaborative spirit of theater. Bishop’s insights into the creative process behind this groundbreaking musical offer a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Broadway history.
What sets Bishop’s account apart is her willingness to be vulnerable. She candidly discusses the personal struggles that ran parallel to her professional success—a failed first marriage, financial hardships, and the constant balancing act of ambition and self-doubt. These admissions humanize the star and make her victories all the more inspiring.
Lights, Camera, Action: Transitioning to the Screen
As Bishop’s career evolves, so does her narrative. Her foray into television and film is recounted with the same mix of humor and introspection that characterizes the earlier chapters. Fans of “Dirty Dancing” will delight in her behind-the-scenes stories from the set, while her reflections on the changing landscape of Hollywood in the 80s and 90s offer valuable perspective on the industry.
Finding Emily: The Gilmore Girls Years
Of course, no Kelly Bishop memoir would be complete without an in-depth look at her iconic role as Emily Gilmore. Bishop’s affection for the character and the show shines through in every anecdote. She offers thoughtful analysis of Emily’s complexities and growth over seven seasons, while also sharing warm memories of her castmates, particularly her on-screen husband, the late Edward Herrmann.
What’s particularly refreshing is Bishop’s honesty about the challenges of aging in Hollywood. She tackles ageism head-on, discussing the scarcity of roles for older actresses and her own internal struggles with maintaining relevance in a youth-obsessed industry. Yet, through it all, her passion for the craft remains undimmed.
Love, Loss, and Learning to Soar Again
The final act of Bishop’s memoir takes on a more introspective tone as she reflects on her long and happy marriage to Lee Leonard. Her account of their partnership is touching without being saccharine, and her raw grief at his passing is palpable. Yet, true to form, Bishop finds strength in adversity, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to keep pushing creative boundaries.
The Curtain Never Really Falls
“The Third Gilmore Girl” is more than just a chronological recounting of a stellar career. It’s a meditation on the nature of creativity, resilience, and the enduring power of reinvention. Bishop’s voice throughout is warm, witty, and refreshingly down-to-earth. She has the rare ability to make readers feel as though they’re sharing a cup of coffee (or perhaps a martini) with a dear friend, rather than reading the words of a Hollywood legend.
Critical Analysis: A Standing Ovation-Worthy Debut
Bishop’s prose style mirrors her stage presence—graceful, commanding, with impeccable timing. She knows when to linger on a poignant moment and when to quicken the pace with a well-placed quip. The structure of the book, while largely chronological, allows for occasional digressions and reflections that add depth and context to her experiences.
Strengths:
- Authentic Voice: Bishop’s personality shines through on every page, creating an intimate reading experience.
- Historical Context: Her career spans such a significant period in entertainment history that the book serves as a valuable chronicle of changing industry norms and cultural shifts.
- Balanced Perspective: While celebratory of her successes, Bishop doesn’t shy away from acknowledging mistakes and moments of self-doubt.
- Insider’s View: Theatre and television buffs will appreciate the wealth of behind-the-scenes details and industry insights.
Areas for Improvement:
- Pacing: Occasionally, the narrative loses momentum in the middle sections, particularly when describing periods between major career milestones.
- Depth of Analysis: While Bishop offers some reflection on broader themes, there are moments where deeper examination of societal issues (like sexism in the industry) could have added even more weight to her personal experiences.
The Final Bow: A Memoir Worth Savoring
“The Third Gilmore Girl” is a triumph—a beautifully crafted memoir that will resonate with fans, aspiring performers, and anyone who has ever dared to chase a dream. Kelly Bishop proves that she’s as adept with a pen as she is on stage or screen. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring power of passion.
This book is a must-read not just for Gilmore Girls devotees, but for anyone interested in the evolution of American entertainment over the past half-century. Bishop’s unique perspective, spanning Broadway, film, and television, offers invaluable insights into the craft of acting and the business of show business.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of Gilmore Girls and Kelly Bishop’s other work
- Aspiring actors and performers
- Theatre and television history enthusiasts
- Readers who enjoy candid, witty celebrity memoirs
- Anyone interested in a deeply human story of resilience and reinvention
In Good Company: Similar Reads
While “The Third Gilmore Girl” stands on its own merits, readers who enjoy Bishop’s memoir might also appreciate:
- “In Pieces” by Sally Field – Another beautifully written memoir by a versatile actress reflecting on a long career and personal growth.
- “Born With Teeth” by Kate Mulgrew – A fellow strong-willed actress known for iconic TV roles shares her life story with similar candor.
- “Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years” by Julie Andrews – For more insight into transitioning from stage to screen in the latter half of the 20th century.
The Encore: Final Thoughts
Kelly Bishop’s “The Third Gilmore Girl” is a masterclass in memoir writing. It’s honest without being salacious, reflective without navel-gazing, and ultimately, deeply inspiring. Bishop has crafted a narrative that entertains while also offering genuine wisdom gleaned from a life well-lived.
As the final page turns, readers are left with a profound appreciation for Bishop’s artistry, resilience, and humanity. More than just a recounting of a celebrated career, this memoir serves as a reminder that our stories are always unfolding, that reinvention is possible at any age, and that the most captivating role we can play is simply being our authentic selves.
Kelly Bishop may have gained fame as the “Third Gilmore Girl,” but with this memoir, she firmly establishes herself as a leading lady in her own right. Brava, Ms. Bishop. This performance deserves a standing ovation.
