Amy Sherman-Palladino's Gilmore Girls gives fans joy in spotting familiar faces, but even the most devoted viewers might not realize that some of its actors went above and beyond. Many cast members have pulled double duty and played multiple characters throughout the series.
Sometimes, it was a way to fill a minor role, which later grew into a full-fledged character. Other times, it was a clever way to get recurring actors on the show. Whether you've seen the series once or are a certified Gilmore guru, get ready to be surprised by these actors who portrayed more than one role in Stars Hollow.
Now, let's look at these dual-role appearances and the interesting ways they made their mark on Gilmore Girls.
Gilmore Girls double roles every fan needs to know
1. Rose Abdoo
There is no denying it: no one who watched Rose Abdoo play Gypsy had lost their heart even when Gypsy turned out to be Stars Hollow's strong, no-nonsense mechanic. Later, she was spotted playing Berta in A Year in the Life, apparently an odd maid of Emily Gilmore. Gypsy was a huge fan favorite: tough yet lovable, always ready with some quick-witted remark about quirky happenings in town.
Abdoo returned as Berta, whose thick accent and large family gave Emily new challenges post-Richard. Even as she received mixed reviews, Abdoo imbued authenticity into both roles. Rose Abdoo is remembered outside of Gilmore Girls for her extensive character work, including roles on Scandal and The Comeback.
2. Alex Borstein
Comedic movie star Alex Borstein had initially been cast as Sookie in the unaired pilot for Gilmore Girls, but she left due to prior engagements on Mad TV. Melissa McCarthy took over the role.
But Borstein did end up in the show, where she played the spunky harp player Drella at the Independence Inn and later Miss Celine, the eccentric stylist for the Gilmore family. While Miss Celine's flair for drama and declarations adds a lovely old-world quality to the Gilmore home, Drella's commentary rambles freely on the show.
Borstein has won multiple Emmys since her breakout as Susie in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
3. Marion Ross
Best known probably for her memorable turn as Lorelai's grandmother, Marion Ross made fans feel something early on in the series. Trix was a force to be reckoned with; her overbearing presence created friction between Lorelai and Emily.
Another marvelous result from the series finale was that Ross returned by dressing up as Marilyn, Trix's flamboyant cousin, during her funeral scene. The contrast between Trix's prim nature and Marilyn's more playful personality marked yet another brilliant Sherman-Palladino move.
Ross is probably best known for her work as Marion Cunningham on the popular series Happy Days, but her double roles in Gilmore Girls made her stand out.
4. Sherilyn Fenn
Twin Peaks alum Sherilyn Fenn popped up as Sasha, Jess's dad's girlfriend, in a much-revamped spinoff idea that never emerged. She turned up later as Anna Nardini, Luke's ex and April's mom, making Lorelai and Luke's relationship tense.
She brought depth in portraying these two different characters, narrating that it's almost as if she were born to play these types of characters.
Versatility across television and films makes Fenn a versatile actress, but Gilmore Girls showcases her ability to rock whatever role comes her way.
5. Sean Gunn
Sean Gunn was the actor who appeared first as "Mick" in Season 1 when he briefly installed DSL at the Gilmore house. Gunn's character developed into Kirk in Season 2, whose endless list of odd jobs and lovable quirks made him a fan favorite. Gunn's initial stint on Gilmore Girls as "Mick" was entirely ignored.
It was his addition as Kirk, however, that became one of the biggest running jokes on the show. Outside of Gilmore Girls, Sean Gunn is notable for playing the role of Kraglin in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy films. He is known to bring laughter and warmth to every role he does.
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