Because reboots and long awaited sequels have proven so profitable, it seems like just about every franchise could return. This was surely the case with Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life, which picked up at Stars Hallow a decade after the original series was unexpectedly cancelled by The CW. But in the years before the revival, Rich Gilmore actor Edward Herrmann passed away from brain cancer. A Year in the Life memorialized the late actor, with Richard also passing away, and his death affecting the three women in the titular year. But what did Herrmann's family think about it? His widower Star Herrmann recently revealed her thoughts on this choice, saying:
I wasn't able to watch it for a very long time; in fact, not until this week. Because every time I see Ed on TV, or hear his voice, it just rips my guts out. And so I thought, oh my gosh, I have to answer questions on these [episodes] and I can't go up and say I haven't watch them. So I watched them three times this last week, and through a lot of crying and joy and heartache, I got through them. . . . I would say, Ed would have loved it. He would have been really unhappy that he couldn't be here to participate, because he felt very strongly that the series should go on because of what it had to say about people, their lives, and what it could do.
Star Herrmann's comments will no doubt delight the writers, directors, and cast of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Because while it may have been difficult to watch, it looks like Star thought it was a respectful tribute to her husband, and that Edward would have loved the latest miniseries.
Edward Herrmann's wife and children recently appeared at the 2017 Gilmore Girls Fan Fest (via Bustle), and they each had a chance to speak about how A Year in the Life paid respects to the late actor. Richard's absence was palpable throughout the four episode series, with Lorelai, Rory, and especially Emily struggling to cope with his death. A flashback showed the trio at his funeral, and one scene even used older footage to feature him for a moment, with Rory remembering walking into his office.
Edward's daughter Emma Herrmann also praised A Year in the Life's portrayal, especially how long the grief process was for the characters. She said,
It was really hard, definitely, to see all of the funeral scenes, obviously, but I thought it was really beautifully written. Especially how after that it wasn't as if all of a sudden everyone was fine and everyone moved on.
While the fandom and his co-stars may have been grieving Edward Herrmann since his death, it's sobering to take a moment and get the perspective of his loved ones. And knowing that the Herrmanns felt so positively with the representation is a testament to the work itself.
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is currently streaming in its entirety on Netflix, as is the original series. Be sure to check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch.
