With its memorable characters – from the unique residents of Stars Hollow to Lorelai and Rory’s friends, family, and romantic interests – Gilmore Girls created a cast of TV icons thanks to the actors who brought them to life. The show recently celebrated a big anniversary: October 5, 2025, marked 25 years since it first aired. This milestone also brought a sad reminder that some of the show’s beloved stars have passed away.
The actors from Gilmore Girls have all gone on to work on other successful television programs, but they’re still best known for their roles in Amy Sherman-Palladino’s beloved series. This holds true even for the actors who are no longer with us.
Edward Herrmann (Richard Gilmore)
July 21, 1943 – December 31, 2014
Edward Herrmann, who played Richard Gilmore, was the most well-known actor from Gilmore Girls to pass away. As the wealthy patriarch of the family, Richard’s character was shaped by his relationships with the women in his life. While he could be proud and sometimes dismissive of his daughter, Lorelai, his bond with his granddaughter, Rory, and his encouragement of her dreams led to some of the show’s most heartwarming scenes.
Richard and Emily Gilmore had a marriage with its share of challenges, but their love remained strong, making them the most compelling couple on Gilmore Girls. When actor Edward Herrmann, who played Richard, passed away, his death was woven into the story of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, showing Emily navigating life as a widow and Lorelai dealing with her grief over losing her father.
Born in Washington, D.C., Richard Herrmann began his professional acting career in the 1970s with theatre. He enjoyed a successful stage career, winning a Tony Award in 1976 for his performance in Mrs. Warren’s Profession and receiving another Tony nomination in 1983 for Plenty.
John Herrmann was a physically imposing actor who frequently portrayed powerful figures. He played both comedic characters, like the wealthy Richard Rich Sr. in the 1994 film Richie Rich, and historical ones, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1976 miniseries Eleanor and Franklin and the 1982 movie Annie. Still, he’s perhaps best remembered for his role as Richard Gilmore.
Richard Herrmann passed away in New York City on December 31, 2014, after a battle with brain cancer. He was 71 years old and is remembered by his wife, Star, and their three children.
Brian Tarantina (Bootsy)
March 27, 1959 – November 2, 2019
Brian Tarantina, who sadly passed away, was known for his role as Bootsy in Gilmore Girls. Bootsy ran the town’s newsstand and was a familiar face in season 2. A lifelong resident of Stars Hollow, he took over the business from his dad. Bootsy and Luke share a past – they went to school together – and like Luke, he’s a bit grumpy but ultimately a good-hearted character.
I always recognized Michael Zegen from his little part on Gilmore Girls, but he really became a standout for me in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He’s fantastic as Jackie, the emcee at the Gaslight, and his dynamic with Susie – they’re roommates and super close friends – is just brilliant. Honestly, that role is what I think most people now know him for.
Brian Tarantina’s death occurred while he was still appearing on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, so his passing was incorporated into the show. The writers handled it sensitively, having his character die offscreen from a stroke in season 4. Besides Maisel and Gilmore Girls, Tarantina was also remembered for his role as Lucky Lipman on the soap opera One Life to Live, which he played from 1990 to 1991.
Born in New York City, Tarantino tragically passed away on November 2, 2019, at the age of 60 due to an accidental drug overdose. He is remembered by his son.
Elizabeth Franz (Mia Halloway)
June 18, 1941 – November 4, 2025
Elizabeth Franz played Mia Halloway in the Gilmore Girls episode “The Ins and Outs of Inns” (season 2, episode 8). While she wasn’t in many scenes, Mia had a significant effect on Lorelai. Mia owned the Independence Inn and took Lorelai in when she ran away from home with baby Rory.
Mia helped Lorelai get back on her feet by giving her a job and letting her and Rory live in a small building on the inn’s property. Mia played a significant role in Lorelai building an independent life, and remained important to both Lorelai and Rory. In season 7, Lorelai and Rory attend Mia’s wedding, though the actress playing Mia was different due to scheduling conflicts with the original actor.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Franz was a highly successful stage actor, much like Edward Herrmann. She received three Tony Award nominations and won in 1999 for her portrayal of Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman.
Actress Arlene Franz, who appeared in Gilmore Girls, passed away from cancer on November 4, 2025, in Woodbury, Connecticut. She was 84 years old and is survived by her husband, Christopher Pelham, a writer.
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2025-11-24 23:29