Did Gilmore Girls Trade Costumes With Friends? Here’s the Truth

As a devoted fan of Gilmore Girls, I have always been captivated by the rich and intricate lives of the characters that graced our screens. Among these remarkable individuals, one stands out as a beacon of wisdom, resilience, and unwavering love – Kelly Bishop, who portrayed Emily Gilmore with an elegance and depth that brought her character to life.

Did you realize that Central Perk and Luke’s Diner were quite close to each other, separated by just a few city blocks?

In fact, just like “Friends” and “Gilmore Girls,” both series filmed on the Warner Bros. studio lot in LA, leading some viewers to speculate that they might have shared costume designers based on their similarities.

“Did you know that characters from both ‘Gilmore Girls’ and ‘Friends’ frequently wore identical outfits? This interesting tidbit was shared by creator ItsLanaWhatsUp in a recent TikTok, presenting parallel photos of Courteney Cox as Monica and Alexis Bledel as Rory wearing the same top. For example, they both sported the exact same sweater on certain occasions.

She went on to say, “Look at this black-and-white top that Rachel wore on ‘Friends’?” She then displayed another image, this time featuring Jennifer Aniston as Rachel and Lauren Graham as Lorelai. “Interestingly enough,” she added, “Lorelai also sported the same shirt in ‘Gilmore Girls’.

Moreover, as numerous viewers presumed that the 2000s series possibly collaborated on their prop and costume sections, Gilmore Girls principal set costumer, Valerie Campbell, effectively put those speculations to rest.

Valerie replied, ‘We didn’t, unfortunately.’ She added that she was busy working on the costumes for ‘Gilmore Girls’ and couldn’t swap clothes.

On another occasion as well, it wasn’t a new situation for the customer when they clarified the mix-up regarding the shows by referring to the shared wardrobe.

Valerie stated on TikTok on November 14th, “All of that is false.” She then explained the process of procuring costumes for Gilmore Girls. Occasionally, they would visit a costume store and pick up outfits if they were available for rent. These outfits were primarily used for day players, not the main cast.

She went on to say, “Should a situation arise where we need to wear the same ensemble again, it’s important that we can locate it. As for Rory, Lorelai, and Emily, we certainly wouldn’t pop into the wardrobe department of ‘Friends’ and ask, ‘Hey, could we borrow some clothes?’

And, to bring her point home, Valerie added, “I never even met the costume department.”

As a diehard Gilmore Girls enthusiast, let me debunk those false rumors swirling around Lorelai and Rory sharing wardrobes with the Friends cast. Instead, join me as we delve into the genuine backstage tales of our beloved Stars Hollow!

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself often reminiscing about my serendipitous encounter in Washington, Conn., which unexpectedly sparked an idea that would later become one of television’s cherished settings – the fictional Stars Hollow. Charmed by the locals, their customs, and the enchanting inn where I stayed, I left this small town with a vision for a series, carrying with me some of the pilot’s very words.

If I could manage to evoke just a fraction of the emotions I experienced wandering through this enchanting town in others, Sherman-Palladino shared with Deseret News, that would truly be magical.

2. Alexis Bledel, who had just one unaccredited role on her acting portfolio and was a student at New York University, tried out for the character of Rory.

During an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Bledel reminisced, “I was unwell while studying at NYU, yet they continued to call me for auditions. I must have gone about six times. Interestingly, I wasn’t a highly experienced actor at the time. I was clueless about the process. I got somewhat restless and displayed a bit of an attitude. Our director found this appealing and said, ‘That’s our girl!’ I responded, ‘Will you call me again?’ to which she replied, ‘I like that, it fits perfectly.’

3. Gilmore Girls without Lauren Graham as Lorelai? Unimaginable, right? But it almost happened.

In 2016, as I penned my book “Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between),” I found myself in New York City, temporarily residing in a friend’s studio flat. At that moment, I was anxiously awaiting news about the potential renewal of the NBC series I had recently completed – “Don Rooses’ M.Y.O.B.” – for another season or its possible termination.

It turned out advantageously for us that M.Y.O.B. wasn’t selected, enabling Graham to take on the quick-witted leading role. This benefited not only Graham but also any other actress who was considering auditioning for the part.

She described her strong attachment to the character after reading the script as an infrequent, intense realization. It’s like recognizing an old acquaintance, but at the same time feeling an overwhelming urge that says “Step aside, everyone! This is mine!” in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner.

4. Scott Patterson was the sole contender during the auditions for the role of Luke; he captivated the casting team instantly with his endearing yet grumpy portrayal of the diner owner who eventually became Lorelai’s husband.

According to Jill Anthony, the casting director, Amy stated, “I don’t require meeting any other candidates.” In simpler terms, she was certain about her choice.

But Patterson never thought he was going to sport Luke’s signature hat and flannel shirts. 

On that particular day, the actor shared with Glamour that he had three auditions scheduled. This specific one was his second. He had rehearsed one scene in advance, but he should have prepared two. So, he went in and performed as best he could, no longer concerned about the outcome…he knew he wouldn’t land the role on Gilmore Girls. The script was exceptionally well-written; they were planning to offer it to established stars, so why waste his time? He was running late for another audition, risking a ticket outside, so could he kindly be excused?

5. Before Jared Padalecki secured the lead role as Rory’s first love Dean Forester, two other Canadian actors initially cast in the role were let go. This was because the character had been modified to be less “unconventional,” as Anthony shared with Vanity Fair.

6. Both Ryan Gosling and Chris Pine tried out for the role in the series. However, Ryan Gosling’s audition, as revealed by casting director Jami Rudofsky at the 2015 ATX TV Festival, didn’t quite hit the mark – it even fell a bit short.

Meanwhile, Pine mentioned that it was his father, actor Robert Pine, who had arranged his initial professional audition for him, but he couldn’t recall the role. In an interview with W Magazine, he humorously speculated, “I guess I might have been up for a part as a boyfriend.

7. Despite Melissa McCarthy eventually becoming a major comedy figure in Hollywood, Sherman-Palladino disclosed that she had to advocate for casting McCarthy as the charming and eccentric chef Sookie.

As Sherman-Palladino shared during the cast’s reunion panel at the 2015 ATX TV Festival, “There was some uncertainty. It wasn’t that people didn’t appreciate her, but she had a unique vibe. She was a different type of woman,” she explained.

“The role was simply written for a female character; there were no specific physical requirements,” Sherman-Palladino continued. “I said, ‘I need someone who can make us laugh and act convincingly.'”

Even though Sherman-Palladino recognized McCarthy’s suitability for the role from the moment she entered the room, she admitted, “It was a challenging proposition. It took some time… everyone eventually agreed, but it required a few episodes.

8. In the first episode, the character Sookie was portrayed by Alex Borstein, but she had to leave the role due to her commitments to MADtv. Later in the series, she appeared in minor recurring roles as a harpist and stylist. Sherman-Palladino eventually cast Borstein in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, where she won two Emmys for her performances on the Amazon comedy.

10. Initially, Liza Weil tried out for the role of Rory, but producers felt she wasn’t quite suitable. They told her, “We really liked you, but it didn’t quite fit.” However, they hinted that if the show got picked up, they might have a role for her.

The character from How to Get Away With Murder playfully expressed, “Back then, my younger self was quite startled by their words.” Later, he confessed, “I never thought they would dare to write that! However, now I find it incredibly flattering and am genuinely pleased about it.

“As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible chemistry between Graham and Bledel! It was nothing short of fate that they didn’t cross paths until their very first day on set. In fact, with Alexis being so green in acting, Milo had to hold her hand on camera just to ensure she hit her marks right.

Just like a dedicated fan of “Gilmore Girls”, I too felt compelled to partake in what Lorelai and Rory ate throughout the series, as any viewer knows, it was abundant.

14. As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share this fascinating tidbit: During the entire span of the show, Alexis Bledel, much like her characters, found love off-screen too! It’s intriguing to know that she dated not one, but two of her real-life on-screen boyfriends, as revealed by casting director Mara Casey.

She shared with Life & Style in 2016 that there was a jest concerning Alexis dating all of her boyfriends, including Jared and Milo Ventimiglia, as well as Chris Heuisler, a young actor from New York who appeared as a guest character. He was quite endearing, she added.

14. At first, Sean Gunn was presented as Mick, the DSL installer of Stars Hollow. However, his role evolved into a series regular as Kirk, who had a unique job in each episode. But why the name change? Gunn himself explained that Sherman-Palladino had simply forgotten that he already had a name assigned.

15. The WB was considering a spin-off featuring Ventimiglia, using the third season episode “Here Comes the Son” as a trial run for the new show. Had it moved forward, “Windward Circle” would have focused on Jess’ life in Venice Beach, California, but unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the series did not come to fruition.

16. At the conclusion of its seventh season, discussions arose about chronicling Rory’s journey into adulthood, as it became apparent that Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls character, Rory) wouldn’t be coming back.

Graham shared with TV Guide that he had stated earlier, “‘I won’t return,'” at some point. However, they considered, “Could we continue with just Alexis?” I wouldn’t presume to speak for her, but we both discussed it back and forth. In the end, neither of us wanted to proceed without the other one involved.

She went on to say, “They were brainstorming all possibilities. At one point, it seemed like I might just contribute rather than appear on the program in my usual role.

17. After contract talks hit a dead end, there was a shocking announcement that Sherman-Palladino, along with her husband Daniel Palladio, wouldn’t continue their work for the seventh (and last) season in Stars Hollow.

Essentially, TV Guide was informed by Palladino that we were unable to reach an agreement on a fresh contract with the studio. Furthermore, they attempted but failed to secure a multiple-year deal.

She clarified, “Negotiations can involve various aspects. What we requested wasn’t outlandish or unreasonable. It wasn’t something far-fetched like reaching for the moon. Essentially, it was aimed at ensuring the integrity of the show.

Sherman-Palladino confessed that handing over their roles was a terrifying experience, describing it as if a bad dream had come true.

And she’s since revealed she’s never watched the final season.

18. For quite some time, there were whispers of friction on set between Patterson and Graham, even though they had an undeniable connection as Luke and Lorelai. Fans of their favorite duo speculated that this was the cause of their breakup in a controversial storyline from season six, but Graham refuted these allegations in an interview with TV Guide following the series’ conclusion.

She acknowledged that the situation had been exaggerated, adding that she shared a closer bond with David Sutcliffe, who portrayed Rory’s father Christopher. However, she clarified that her friendship with him did not influence her actions, as some might have assumed she was favoring him.

In alignment with the fans’ feelings, I too found myself feeling disheartened and perplexed when Luke and Lorelai’s relationship concluded on such an open-ended note during the initial broadcast of the series.

As a devoted fan of the captivating dynamic between Luke and Lorelai, I must admit that their storyline never seemed to reach a truly fulfilling conclusion for me. In my perspective, it felt as though we were left hanging with uncertainties. Regrettably, Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator, was not present during the last season of our beloved show. Thus, I find myself unable to provide a definitive answer regarding their ending because it didn’t quite reach a resolution that felt satisfactory.

19. Since she left the show following season six, it didn’t conclude as Amy Sherman-Palladino originally envisioned. She frequently hinted at this, leaving fans speculating for years about the “final four words” that were supposed to wrap up the Gilmore girls’ storyline.

In the years that followed, almost every interview with the Palladinos featured questions about the mysterious phrases. However, they never shared any specifics, for a reason they hoped would keep a potential film in the works. As Sherman-Palladino explained to Entertainment Weekly, “I don’t want to reveal [my ideas] entirely yet,” because if a movie is being planned, I would essentially be revisiting where I left off, and then I might find myself in a bit of a predicament.

In 2016, when the Netflix revival was announced, it was made clear that the four-episode series would conclude with the eagerly anticipated four phrases. You can find all the details about it right here. (Indeed, they were well worth the wait.)

20. Edward Herrmann and Kelly Bishop portrayed Richard and Emily Gilmore, Lorelai’s refined yet affectionate parents. A bond formed between them off-screen, with Herrmann’s spouse, Star Herrmann, affectionately referring to Bishop as his “second wife.” Tragically, Herrmann passed away in 2014 at the age of 71 following a fight against brain cancer. In the days prior to his demise, his wife graciously invited Bishop to spend time with him during those final moments.

She shared with Vanity Fair that she was the sole individual we had encountered. The encounter held significance for both parties.

As an overjoyed yet melancholic admirer, I found Bishop’s description of the invitation as “wonderful, sad, and surprising” incredibly apt. During the cast reunion panel at the ATX TV Festival, a chair was thoughtfully left vacant on stage, paying tribute to Herrmann in a poignant and heartfelt manner.

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2024-12-04 06:59