The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

In 2000, Bishop’s agent sent her the pilot script of a new show, Gilmore Girls, suggesting her for the role of Emily Gilmore. Amy Sherman-Palladino’s script revolves around the dynamics of the Gilmore family. 32-year-old Lorelai Gilmore enjoys a close, loving relationship with her 16-year-old daughter, Rory. However, Lorelai’s relationship with her wealthy upper-class parents, Emily and Richard, is strained: They were horrified when their daughter became pregnant at the age of 16, and Emily, in particular, is coldly disapproving of her daughter. As Bishop read the script, the relationship between Lorelai and Rory reminded Bishop of her close bond with her own mother, Jane. Meanwhile, the character of Emily is reminiscent of Bishop’s grandmother, Louise.

At the audition, Bishop immediately felt a connection with Sherman-Palladino, who had also been a dancer. Early in her career, Sherman-Palladino turned down a role in Cats on Broadway to write for the TV series Roseanne. Bishop was pleased with her audition performance but had to wait a long time before learning she had the part. Afterward, Sherman-Palladino revealed that she’d wanted Bishop for the role as soon as she saw her. However, the production team kept suggesting alternative actresses.

Shooting the pilot in Toronto, Bishop quickly bonded with the cast, feeling she had known Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai, and Ed Herrmann, who played Richard, all her life.