Iconic ‘Gilmore Girls’ Legend, 81, Dazzles in Rare Onstage Performance originally appeared on Parade.
Most Gen X and Millennial women think of Kelly Bishop, 81, as either the stern matriarch Emily Gilmore from Amy Sherman Palladino’s beloved show Gilmore Girls or the elegant matriarch in the ’80s classic Dirty Dancing. However before Bishop was gracing the screen, her roots began growing on the stage.
She began as a ballerina dancer, attending both the American Ballet Theater and San Jose Ballet School and at just 18 landed a gig with the Radio City Music Hall’s corps de ballet. Her dancing career morphed into a Broadway one when she landed a role in “Golden Rainbow” in 1967.
In 1975 years later, she originated the role of Shelia Bryant in the iconic musical A Chorus Line, which was written based off of her ( and other dancers’) experiences as a performer. For the 50th anniversary of the Tony-award winning show Bishop, along with other Broadway legends, graced the stage at NYC’s Shubert Theater in celebration. Bishop briefly reprised her role, with a quick monologue and she absolutely stunned while she did it.
Just moments before, former co-star Lauren Graham introduced her to the stage. In a shiny gold suit, Bishop delivered her lines with ease and grace and people were both taken with her talent and her beauty.
“She is unreal. It’s an honor to be in the presence of this legend,” wrote one adoring fan.
Another asked a very fair question: “Does she even AGE?”
Related: ‘Gilmore Girls’ Goddess Kelly Bishop, 81, Stuns in Silk and Shiny Pants
Bishop recounted her fascinating life and career in her memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl, which several fans in the comments recommended reading. In it, she talks about everything from her time as Sheila to her role on Gilmore Girls.
One thing is for certain, her legacy as an entertainment icon is indisputable.
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Iconic ‘Gilmore Girls’ Legend, 81, Dazzles in Rare Onstage Performance first appeared on Parade on Jul 29, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
