Edward Herrmann :: Character Guides

Richard Gilmore, born to extraordinarily wealthy parents Charles and Trix Gilmore, worked as the Executive Vice President of the Gehrman-Driscoll Insurance Corporation during the first two seasons. After seeing that retirement is not for him, he started his own consulting business that, after some hard work, became quite successful.

Richard is a graduate of Yale University, a fact that he is very proud of. He is very involved with the school and donates large amounts of money to the school each year. When Rory was applying to college, he tricked her into having an interview with the admissions department at Yale and though mad at him for doing so, Rory ultimately chose to attend Yale much to her grandfather’s delight.

While a student at Yale, Richard fell for Emily and the two soon wed after Richard broke off his engagement to Pennilyn Lott. This enraged his mother and ever since, Trix has resented Emily for coming between Richard and Pennilyn. However, Richard kept in touch with Pennilyn and when this fact was discovered, his marriage to Emily was threatened and the two separated for a short while. They soon reconciled and renewed their vows in a large ceremony with Rory as his “best man”.

Similar to Emily, Richard disapproves of most things Lorelai does, from the men she dates to the lifestyle she chose to lead. However, Richard never interferes in Lorelai’s life unless he feels it’s necessary. Though he’s disappointed that Lorelai got pregnant and dropped out of school, he’s proud of the life that Lorelai has made for herself and proud of the woman that Rory has become.