Gilmore Girls Blog

Lauren Graham Answers Anything

...including a revealing meeting


Emily peers over Lorelai's shoulder to learn spreadsheets
First published 27 Mar 2014

This week’s tip of the hat goes to commenter Lathany for pointing out this Reddit Q and A session in which Lauren Graham (Lorelai Gilmore) answered questions from the general online public, to promote her the paperback release of her debut novel, Someday, Someday, Maybe.

A good proportion of the questions were about Gilmore Girls, which is great for us since… um, we’re a Gilmore Girls blog.

Things I learned:

I’ve organised most of the questions and her responses here, by category:

Gilmore Girls; Someday Someday Maybe & Writing; Bad Santa; Parenthood; and Lauren Graham. Don’t say I never do anything for you.

Gilmore Girls

[-]oopsididitagain3 510 points 2 days ago Did you understand most of the pop culture references in Gilmore Girls?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 745 points 2 days ago If I didn’t, I’d look them up. Part of being an actor is research!

[-]lgp94 258 points 2 days ago Are you addicted to coffee as much as Lorelai was in Gilmore Girls?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 427 points 2 days ago Sadly, yes. I drink it all day.

[-]Orange- 315 points 2 days ago Did you have a good relationship with Alexis, do you still see her? You guys made such a great mother/daughter combination

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 499 points 2 days ago

Lauren Graham Love her, we’ll always have a special bond. Saw her in NY not too long ago. I had a nice lunch with TV mom Kelly and Amy S.P. as well. We went to Joe Allen, one of my faves.

[-]ShutUpAndPassTheWine 302 points 2 days ago Do you ever have people walk up to you and try to speak to you at a ridiculously fast pace?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 662 points 2 days ago No, but when I was on the show and had an audition for something else, they’d tell my agent to ask me to “speak normally.” I think they were afraid I only had the one speed!

[-]tan_nis 326 points 2 days ago Was Melissa McCarthy hilarious to work with in Gilmore Girls? I love that many of the cast of that show went on to have such great acting careers!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 439 points 2 days ago Truly hilarious and kind on set, and then I’d go see her in Groundlings and be blown away by the characters she created.

[-]BallOfLemurs 69 points 2 days ago Thanks for doing this! You’re one of my favorite actresses. What was the most exciting or memorable moment from Gilmore Girls?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 132 points 2 days ago Thank you! Hard to pick one moment, but I remember working long hours and getting really punchy. We’d start making up raps and singing “Loving You” by Minnie Ripperton.

[-]hoverfordetails 738 points 2 days ago Lauren, I grew up watching Gilmore Girls and am now a fan of Parenthood. I really think that it is a testament of your acting that I don’t still see you as Lorelei Gilmore while watching you as Sara Braverman. You really grab the role and make it something new. This is more for my mom, who loves Gilmore Girls. She wants to know if Luke, Scott Patterson, is a good kisser. She was maybe a little too invested in your relationship on the show. Thanks for making my childhood a little bit better! I’m looking forward to reading your book!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 651 points 2 days ago He’s an excellent kisser, but all movie kisses are weird, since you’re trying to have an intimate moment in front of a hundred people.

[-]douchebag_duryodhana 233 points 2 days ago Hi lauren, Big fan of Gilmore girls will there ever be a movie.

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 394 points 2 days ago I honestly don’t know. I appreciate how many have asked. That character was so special - I wonder what happens to her too!

[-]SkittlesOverMms 177 points 2 days ago What do you miss most about Gilmore Girls?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 382 points 2 days ago I miss that writing, even though those long speeches could be a challenge.

[-]Photogal26 111 points 2 days ago Post-GG, in many interviews when you were asked about the experience, you always said that it was a hard show to do, that it was tiring schedule, etc. But you didn’t really expand too much on the positives of that experience - was it an overall good experience despite the heavy workload?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 170 points 2 days ago It was an amazing experience, and a character I treasure.

[-]Erikab24 148 points 2 days ago Will we ever find out what the last 4 words ASP had for the original Gilmore finale? Because I’m still dying to know

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 203 points 2 days ago If I knew, I’d tell you! I’m going to ask her next time I see her.

[-]ShutUpAndPassTheWine 66 points 2 days ago I have to ask what it was like getting to work with Edward Herrmann. He just seems like the kind of guy you could kick back and relax with (assuming you had a nice bottle of scotch and a good, debatable historical topic).

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 85 points 2 days ago You’ve pretty much nailed it.

[-]tigzybear 100 points 2 days ago I justttt got the novel, so I have no comments on that (I haven’t started, sadly…) BUT…. How often do you say “oy with the poodles?” in your own life? :P

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 247 points 2 days ago Probably not nearly enough. However, I have incorporated Huzzah! into my repertoire.

[-]namelesslynora 81 points 2 days ago Alright so there have been a lot of Gilmore Girls/GG movie questions asked, but I think what we all really want to know is - IF they decided to make a movie, however unlikely it may be, just imagine they did for some reason - would you want to do it?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 214 points 2 days ago Yes, IF a movie version could be as good as we’d all want it to be, I’d love to play that character again.

Someday, Someday, Maybe & Writing

[-]alisonkarls 84 points 2 days ago What was the hardest part about writing your book?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 290 points 2 days ago As much as I wished it would, the book wouldn’t write itself! Sitting down every day and trying not to look at shoes on Zappos was the hardest part.

[-]miazapanta 49 points 2 days ago LAUREN!!! Why did you decide to write a novel, rather than say, a screenplay?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 89 points 2 days ago I just started writing, and the story dictated the format. Then I got to write the screenplay based on the book. Both fun, both difficult.

[-]booblue1 32 points 2 days ago Hi! I’m a very amateur writer and I was wondering how you managed to make each character sound individual - when I attempt dialogue everyone sounds the same! Do you think it’s years of reading scripts that gave you this ability naturally, or is it something you have to work on? You managed to do it really well - every character has a different voice, and you can imagine them talking. Thanks in advance for answering my long and rambling question!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 54 points 2 days ago I’m sure that all the scripts I’ve read helped. When I read, I don’t just imagine my part, I try to play all the parts and hear what the voices would sound like. Same with writing.

[-]ambamartine 4 points 2 days ago What kept you motivated and focused to finish the book? Or did it all come pretty easy?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 6 points 2 days ago I think fear, and the fact that I’d been paid an advance were the main factors. And it’s not any easier the second time, either!

[-]xstauren 1 point 2 days ago Hi Lauren! When are we gonna have your book in Italy?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 5 points 2 days ago I believe the book is out in Italy this week! I’ll check on that and let you know via the Twittersphere.

[-]Meike92 15 points 2 days ago We’re so excited about the second book: Do you plan book events in europe?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 29 points 2 days ago I’d love to do more events overseas. I’m very grateful to have the book published in other languages.

[-]Sk28 22 points 2 days ago IS IT TRUE YOU’RE WRITING A SEQUEL? Loved the first one :)

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 67 points 2 days ago I’m writing a sequel! Franny gets a job, and spends a year in LA where she realizes she’s too pale to drive a convertible (autobiographical alert!).

[-]miazapanta 16 points 2 days ago How did you decide how much of your real life would be reflected in the book and how much of it would be fictional?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 31 points 2 days ago It’s less autobiographical than people think. I started with a world I’m familiar with, but most of the details are invented.

[-]lizziesplaace 9 points 2 days ago Will you do a give away of the paperbacks?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 47 points 2 days ago I’d love to do a giveaway, but have to figure out a better system. The Twitter giveaways were confusing. Maybe we should all meet at that diner on the corner?

[-]danizickl 79 points 2 days ago What inspired you to write your book? It was really good by the way!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 98 points 2 days ago Thanks! I wanted a new challenge and something I could do on my own.

[-]KhyleDeen 74 points 2 days ago Lauren, big fan, male fan too, read your book, enjoyed it, how many men have said that?, as I know it’s female oriented, big fan, just saying hello!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 140 points 2 days ago Yay, Dudes!

[-]hearharethere 27 points 2 days ago What authors inspired you or have influenced your own writing?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 49 points 2 days ago Now that I know what it takes to finish a book, I’m even more inspired by everything I read. Two recent favorites: Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen, and Helen Fielding’s Mad About the Boy.

[-]octoberbride 22 points 2 days ago I just want to start by saying I loved Gilmore Girls and Parenthood is currently one of my favorite shows!!! What has been your favorite part about working on Parenthood? I didn’t know you had a book releasing! What is it about? What inspired you to write it? I have been trying to finish my story for years but motivation and inspiration are low, any advice?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 73 points 2 days ago Don’t stop working just because it isn’t perfect. Get to the end of the story before you judge it. You can always rewrite, but only if it exists!

[-]musicalxchaos 39 points 2 days ago Hi Lauren! I’ve been a big fan since Gilmore Girls and loved Someday, Someday Maybe. So excited you’re doing this today! You said on Ellen last week that the pilot version of your book didn’t get picked up by the CW, but that you were hoping to keep trying. I was wondering what the process of writing the script was like - was it very different from writing the novel itself? Do you have certain changes you think you’d make for TV versus the book? I think the story would make an amazing TV show and I hope it gets made!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 55 points 2 days ago Writing the script was very different. They wanted lots of big moments and plot twists. I borrowed from the book, but invented new scenes as well, and beefed up a character in the pilot who we only hear about in the book.

[-]DrydenDon 15 points 2 days ago Lauren, thanks for doing this! You’ve been hitting all sorts of mediums: tv, movies, novels, etc… Is there a medium you prefer? Does one take preference over the others for any specific reason? Thanks!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 26 points 2 days ago I loved writing the script and I’m working on another one. Also working on book two.

Bad Santa

[-]adams145 401 points 2 days ago Has your family watched you in Bad Santa, or did you urge them to stay away from that one?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 926 points 2 days ago My father is still recovering.

[-]westcoast_eastsider 116 points 2 days ago What was it like working with Billy Bob?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 176 points 2 days ago I adore him. He has that Southern gentleman quality, and is very smart.

[-]MickCollins 201 points 2 days ago “Bad Santa” is one of those movies I can put on and be laughing within about 30 seconds. Will you be appearing in the sequel? Also, did you ever think “Fuck Me Santa” was going to be a line you ever uttered in your career as an actress?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 322 points 2 days ago Someone even wanted to do a line of greeting cards and mugs with that er, line, and I was like, um, no thank you.

Parenthood

[-]nms1539 284 points 2 days ago Hi! Just wondering - how much of the dialogue on Parenthood is improv? It seems you guys are given a lot of freedom during those scenes where the entire family is bantering. Also you’re beautiful.

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 499 points 2 days ago It’s a weird and wonderful mash-up of scripted and improvised. I’ve never gotten to do that on a show and I love it. Also, YOU’RE beautiful.

[-]I_eat_baby_burritos 104 points 2 days ago I love you and thanks for doing this AMA. My question is who out of the cast on Parenthood is the most similar to their character ?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 242 points 2 days ago Hard to say. Dax is an extremely funny guy who is also a super dedicated family man - like Crosby. And Peter is obviously perfect, just like Adam. :)

[-]mrg58 150 points 2 days ago In all of your roles, who was your favorite male counterpart?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 262 points 2 days ago Ha! Impossible to answer. I’ve had some great ones. Jason Ritter and Ray Romano both delightful.

[-]whyareyouasuper 5 points 2 days ago Why is Sarah Braverman a super??? Like, how did that happen? It’s been bothering me all season.

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 10 points 2 days ago I thought it was sort of odd too, but it gives her a reason to interact with hunky neighbors and get sprayed by faulty plumbing.

[-]ShutUpAndPassTheWine 31 points 2 days ago What is the Parenthood cast like between takes? When a particularly dramatic, tense scene is over who starts cracking jokes and who stays serious? In general, what do you guy do on a typical shooting day when you’re not on camera?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 64 points 2 days ago I sit in my trailer and write and try not to watch too much HGTV.

[-]miazapanta 35 points 2 days ago Which cast members do you hang out with the most when you’re off set?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 89 points 2 days ago I see Mae and Miles a lot. Mae and I have started taking Pilates. Ouch!

Lauren Graham

[-]fergmaster 296 points 2 days ago What are your feelings on graham crackers?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 503 points 2 days ago I’m very proud of them, and the cereal as well.

[-]useitdontloseit 56 points 2 days ago You are incredibly awesome. What is your #1 tip for other people trying to be as awesome as you?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 175 points 2 days ago Be friends with awesome people who tell you you’re awesome.

[-]letdown105 192 points 2 days ago What do you remember most about your appearance on Seinfeld?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 337 points 2 days ago I remember Jerry was very appreciative and nice and and laughed at everyone else’s jokes.

[-]mrg58 68 points 2 days ago Is there one role you wish you’d never agreed to take?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 111 points 2 days ago Not really. I probably learned as much or more from the projects that didn’t turn out as I hoped.

[-]miazapanta 93 points 2 days ago Do you still keep in touch with Connie Britton? Would you ever consider being on Nashville? I’d love to see Connie on Parenthood too!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 213 points 2 days ago Connie and I moved to LA together and lived in an empty house, where all I remember us eating were Rice Krispie treats. She’s still a friend, but now we both have furniture!

[-]singsoprano 79 points 2 days ago 5 things you can’t leave home without.

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 139 points 2 days ago Notebook, pen (le pen is my favorite), book, lip balm, phone (of course).

[-]Domeniquesmile 4 points 2 days ago Favorite song to dance around to right now?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 10 points 2 days ago Pharrell’s “Happy” is just so, well, happy. I’m still not tired of it.

[-]namelesslynora 26 points 2 days ago what’s your favourite pizza topping? (really asking the important questions here wow)

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 67 points 2 days ago I just had an all cheese pizza from Mozza Pizzeria in LA. No red sauce, just the cheese and some sage. So I guess my favorite topping lately is nothing!

[-]drfunkdawg 29 points 2 days ago great to see you on here! do you still think belly buttons are cool? or have you moved on?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 52 points 2 days ago Obviously, they’re still cool.

[-]hleopard21 15 points 2 days ago Hey Lauren! I’ve been a huge fan since Gilmore Girls and LOVE everything you’re doing on Parenthood. Who would you say had the biggest influence on you growing up/who influenced your decision to pursue acting. Again, i love everything that you do and I’m so proud of your book!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 29 points 2 days ago Thank you so much. My dad was always supportive of whatever I showed an interest in - from horseback riding to acting. And I had some great teachers along the way too.

[-]HalijoHa 16 points 2 days ago If you could pic place to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 33 points 2 days ago We’re choosing where to go on vacation, so this has actually been the topic of discussion in our house for weeks! Japan, maybe?

[-]first_tiger_hobbes 67 points 2 days ago You always seem to have so much fun on Craig Ferguson’s show. How much is just TV and how much is real? (Please don’t crush my dreams) Also will there be giveaways for the paperback on Twitter like there was for the hardback?

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 102 points 2 days ago I love doing that show, and there’s no way to fake that kind of genuine affection. We just have a weird/fun connection.

[-]singsoprano 40 points 2 days ago Top 3 things you love to do when you’re in NYC!

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 99 points 2 days ago I love to walk, anywhere really, but especially over the Brooklyn Bridge, shop with my sister, eat at Momofuku.

[-]Lauren_Graham[S] 610 points 2 days ago Thank you so much for doing this with me. You’re all delightful, and having an especially good hair day! Until we meet again….

So what do you make of that New York lunch, huh?