The Gilmore Girls
Kenny Ortega directed 12 episodes of the Golden-Globe nominated comedy-drama television series Gilmore Girls created by Amy Sherman-Palladino that aired for seven seasons on The WB (2000-2006) and The CW (2007). It follows the lives of a single mother Lorelai Gilmore (played by Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory Gilmore (played by Alexis Bledel) in the small town of Stars Hollow, only 30-minutes outside of Hartford, Connecticut. The drama is laced with fast-paced dialogue and many popular culture references, including moments when the quirky town characters burst out in song and dance or participate in a 24-hour dance marathon. The show had an astounding connection to female youth as well as touched upon political and social commentary revolving around Lorelai’s relationship with her upper-class parents.
"…the series was actually a musical comedy: the zinging rhythm to the wordplay, the scenes that peaked like Broadway showstoppers, and the actual melodies that bridged scenes (thank you, Sam Phillips). "
Entertainment WeeklyKenny also got to work with Kelly Bishop (Dirty Dancing) again who played Lorelai’s mother, Emily Gilmore, on all seven seasons. The show had cameos of notable guests such as Madeline Albright, Carole King, The Bangles, Paul Anka, Adam Brody, Alex Borstein, Sebastian Bach, Normal Kingsley Mailer, and Christine Amanpour.
Executive producers on the show were Gavin Polone, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, and Patricia Fass Palmer . Original Music by Sam Phillips.
Episodes Directed by Kenny Ortega:
- They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They? (12 November 2002)
- A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving (26 November 2002)
- Face-Off (18 February 2003)
- A Family Matter (3 February 2004) – (as Kenneth Ortega)
- Written in the Stars (5 October 2004) – (as Kenneth Ortega)
- You Jump, I Jump, Jack (2 November 2004) – (as Kenneth
Ortega)- Emily Says Hello (16 November 2004) – (as Kenneth Ortega)
- Come Home (1 February 2005)
- Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out (8 November 2005) – (as Kenneth Ortega)
- He’s Slippin’ ‘Em Bread… Dig? (22 November 2005) – (as Kenneth Ortega)
- Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting (31 January 2006) – (as Kenneth Ortega)
- Knit, People, Knit! (28 November 2006)
Awards:
- American Film Institute Award
- (2) Viewers for Quality Television Awards
- 2005 Teen Choice Awards: Choice TV Actress & Choice TV Parental Units
- 2004 Emmy for Outstanding Make-up for a Series (episode "The Festival of Living Art")
- 2002 Family Television Award: Actress Alexis Bledel
- 2002 Young Artist Award: Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Supporting Young Actress Keiko Agena
- 2001 Family Television Awards: New Series & Actress Lauren Graham
- 2001 Young Artist Awards: Best Family TV Drama Series &
Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Leading Young Actress Alexis Bledel
Accolades:
- Time magazine named Gilmore Girls to their list of the Top 100 Best TV Shows of all time.
- #32 on Entertainment Weekly’s The New TV Classics List
Reviews:
Official Gilmore Girls website
Gilmore Girls on Internet Movie Database
Gilmore Girls on Wikipedia
