‘Gilmore Girls’ Stars’ Surprise Broadway Reunion Sparks Major Buzz

Hallmark stars Kelly Bishop and Lauren Graham proved that their on-screen bond as Emily and Lorelai Gilmore extends far beyond the cameras with a heartwarming reunion at one of Broadway’s most prestigious events. The actresses delighted fans when they appeared together at the 50th anniversary celebration of “A Chorus Line” at the Shubert Theatre in New York City.

The July 27 event brought together Broadway legends to commemorate the landmark musical that first opened at the same theater five decades earlier on July 25, 1975. Bishop, who originated the role of Sheila Bryant in the groundbreaking production, was among the honored guests celebrating the show’s legacy.

Graham served as a presenter at the celebration, introducing her former co-star to the audience in a touching moment that showcased their genuine friendship. The surprise appearance of the “Gilmore Girls” duo created an emotional highlight of the evening for both attendees and fans following along on social media.

“It was beyond thrilling to get to introduce Ms. Kelly Bishop at the 50th Anniversary of A Chorus Line at the @shubertorg theater Sunday night,” Graham wrote on Instagram. “The performances were incredible, magical, inspiring! Also, this photo of us is wack because in real life Kelly is about 1/16 my size. xL”

The reunion was particularly meaningful given Bishop’s significant role in “A Chorus Line’s” history. The original production became an instant sensation after transferring from The Public Theater to Broadway, running for a then-record-breaking 6,137 performances over 15 years and becoming the longest-running show in Broadway history at the time.

Broadway Legacy and ‘Gilmore Girls’ Connection

Bishop’s involvement in “A Chorus Line” helped establish her as a Broadway legend long before she became known to television audiences as the formidable Emily Gilmore. The musical won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, cementing its place as a landmark of American musical theater.

The 80-year-old actress has had a remarkable career spanning stage, film, and television. After her Broadway success, she continued working across various media, including memorable roles as Jennifer Grey‘s mother in 1987’s “Dirty Dancing,” before landing the role that would define her for a new generation of fans.

Her portrayal of Emily Gilmore throughout the show’s 2000 to 2007 run, and later in the 2016 Netflix reboot “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” demonstrated her ability to bring depth and complexity to what could have been a one-dimensional character.

Graham’s presence at the “A Chorus Line” anniversary celebration is evidence of the long-term friendship between the actresses. Bishop has previously spoken to E! Online about their close relationship.

“She and I stay in pretty good contact with one another anyway. We’re really very close,” Bishop said about her connection with Graham.

A Second Special Reunion

The Broadway celebration wasn’t the only time fans were treated to seeing the pair together recently. In September, the actresses had another meaningful reunion during the launch of Bishop’s memoir, “The Third Gilmore Girl,” at a 92NY event.

What started as a typical book signing turned into a memorable surprise when Graham made an unexpected appearance as the evening’s interviewer. According to Good Housekeeping, Bishop had announced there was “only one thing, for me, that would make it more special, and that’s if there was another Gilmore girl” before Graham’s entrance.

The emotional reunion at both events has given fans hope for more “Gilmore Girls” content, with many expressing their desire for another revival or special project. A rerun of the original series is currently airing on Hallmark.

Both actresses continue to honor their “Gilmore Girls” legacy while pursuing other projects, but these recent reunions show their friendship has only grown stronger over the years.