Sometimes the way the TV biz works leaves me scratching my head, going, “Huh?” Other times, I get it… it’s fate. This is definitely one of those. Because although ABC passed on Lauren Graham’s comedy pilot, she’s still returning to the tube this season, on NBC’s buzzy Parenthood series. And here, in her first interview since agreeing to step in for Maura Tierney as single mom Sarah, the Gilmore Girls gabber explains why she decided to join the all-star ensemble, why her new character is nothing like Lorelai, and what her new gig means for that much-discussed-by-me Gilmore movie.
Why did you decide to take the part?
LAUREN GRAHAM: It’s the best thing I’ve read. It’s was really that simple.
Any trepidation about signing another long-term TV commitment?
GRAHAM: Yeah. I’ve been out of that work for, I guess it’s been two-and-half years now. I did a Broadway show, I did three movies… I [enjoyed] working freelance like that. So, strangely, as much as I’ve been looking for a series almost since I ended that last one, it was almost like, “But wait… ” I’ve enjoyed [the variety] of projects I’ve done. That’s hard to think about giving up.
Why join an ensemble instead of continuing to pursue your own vehicle?
GRAHAM: Well, it’s just so good. As I said to [executive producer] Jason Katims, I’m used to seeing my character on every single page [of the script]. But my favorite dramas were ensembles like The West Wing and Studio 60… This was put in front of me and I responded instinctually. It was just something I really wanted to do.
Sarah shares some things in common with Lorelai.
GRAHAM: She’s a woman. She probably wears jeans. [Laughs]. She’s a single mom, yes, but I don’t think the tone of the show is the same. The sound of Gilmore Girls, that voice, is so unique to Amy [Sherman-Palladino]. This show has its own voice. It’s a grown-up show, too. It doesn’t have some of the more whimsical elements of [Gilmore Girls]. It’s more realistic.
You’ll probably have fewer lines of dialogue to memorize, too.
GRAHAM: [Laughs] Jason’s language is very elegant and economical — and that’s not to put [Gilmore Girls] down. Nothing will ever be like that. The thing that was most important to me is to have a writer who I feel can really write something that I’m dying to do, ’cause that’s what I had last time. And this is how that felt to me. So whether or not it seems like the logical next step, I just really responded to the material and that’s where I had good luck last time. [When I considered doing Gilmore], people were like, “Oh, it’s the WB” and “Oh, you’re playing a mom.” I’ve had good luck just following my instincts.
Will anything change about the character now that you’re playing her?
GRAHAM: I’m getting together to talk with Jason this weekend. That’s one of the key things [I liked] about this job was he was like, “I really want to hear what you want [this role] to be.” We’re still kind of working that out a little bit. What I said to him is I’m interested in the flawed part of her. For seven years I played someone who people come up and say, “I wish my mom was just like Lorelai.” That’s not this character. She’s not perfect. She’s funny and smart and she’s doing a pretty good job, but she’s struggling, and that’s what I’m drawn to. In my experience, it’s the less noble parts of someone that are the most interesting, especially over a long story.
Now for the big question: Does this mean you won’t have time to shoot the Gilmore Girls movie?
GRAHAM: [Laughs] Mike, [the movie's] in the can. It’s coming soon to a theater near you.
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The interview we’ve been waiting for…
I’m so happy Lauren Graham is coming back to TV! Maybe she’ll finally get the Emmy nomination she deserves.
I’m so glad to hear the excitement Lauren has for this show. I can’t wait to see her back on tv. She’s too talented to stay away this long.
I’m pleased for Lauren that she has a new show and is excited about it, but it’s a shame that she didn’t see fit to make any reference to Maura Tierney. If Maura hadn’t had to pull out because of her health problems, Lauren would not be in the show.
I agree. Maura’s stint on ER was good, but I thought she was very funny in News Radio and in movies like Liar Liar. It would’ve been nice to see her in this series. But it’s such a pleasure for me to see Lauren on the TV again. She’s so unique, a missing player in the TV landscape for sure. It’s a good replacement.
Isabel – interviews don’t happen exactly as you see them printed. They’re usually much, much longer and edited down. She may indeed have said something about MT, but it was edited out.
So I assume they’ll have to reshoot the pilot – which NBC used to air clips from in their initial commercials… I’m curious if there were any other episodes that would have to be reshot?
I doubt they’ll reshoot the whole pilot, just the scenes that Maura shot. Re-casting happens A LOT after pilots get picked up. Sally Field, for instance, replaced Betty Buckley on Brothers and Sisters, Peri Gilpin replaced Lisa Kudrow on Frasier, Joe Rogan replaced Ray Romano on NewsRadio, the list goes on…
YAY! I love having Tivo record Gilmore Girls on ABCFamily all week long for me – it’s so nice to be able to watch it whenever I want. But it’ll be SO nice to see new Lauren material!
And I saw her on Broadway and she was amazing!! Love her!
This interview took away a lot of the worry I had about her joining Parenthood. I love Katim’s writing on Friday Night Lights, and was worried that adding a Gilmore Girl character would throw off the show. It sounds like she’s interested in making the character different and more flawed, which should be perfect for this. I’m on board now.
Love the shout out for Studio 60.
I agree. A tragically underrated show, and she was fabulous on it! I am happy to see her back on TV though, so all is good!
I’m not surprised that she loved that show. Matthew Perry is one of her closest friends.
That’s awesome news about the movie. When is the release date?
I interpret sarcasm in her comment about the GG Movie. I love GG and would LOVE to see a movie but I’m not holding my breath. I think Lauren Graham & Alexis Bledel are happy with the way the series ended. I think they have moved on from GG. Also, Dan & Amy Palladino were no longer writers for the final season & it left some bitterness toward The CW. Movie wouldn’t be worth it w/out Amy & Dan as writers.
Yeah it was a sarcastic comment. Lauren Graham and Amy Sherman-Palladino have both said that they are UNHAPPY with the way the series ended, but Lauren doesn’t seem to be interested in doing a Gilmore Girls movie because she has moved on.However, Michael Ausiello interviewed Amy not too long ago and she said she would be open to doing a GG movie. That way, she could end the series the way she wanted to. Haven’t heard much from Alexis or Dan.
Now for the big question: Does this mean you won’t have time to shoot the Gilmore Girls movie?
GRAHAM: [Laughs] Mike, [the movie's] in the can. It’s coming soon to a theater near you.
im sorry but im not american so i dont get the joke, does this mean that there IS gonna be a movie?????????????
What country do you live in that you don’t understand sarcasm and how can you possibly enjoy Gilmore Girls if you don’t get sarcasm?
WOW! snarkey! i don’t get the joke either not because i’m incapable of sarcasam, just the phrase “in the can” usually mean it’s finished where i’m from so i was confused about what she meant too…. hate how some people use the ananimity of the net to be so rude!
Jesus, you really think that in every country GG is in English? How old are you???
my reply is for Liz!!
Yeah, not a single word about Maura. I didn´t like it either, Isabel.
I agree! If you ask me, lauren Graham is a poor man’s Maura Tierny, and she wouldn’t even have this job were it not for Maura’s health. She wasn’t even their second choice, right? Let’s show some respect to Maura, k, and not act like you got the job because you were the best for it.
I love Lauren Graham. A lot of times they say this stuff in the beginning of the conversation but Aus probably just didn’t print it. You’re just being disrespectful yourself.
suck it, maiv.
It was already covered in many other articles how unfortunate it was that Maura’s health issues ment she had to drop out. We all expressed regret and wished her well. But it’s time to move on. It is possible to be happy for another actress. Jeeze, she was answering the questions that the interviewer asked so calm down.
Sadly, no, rush. she’s teasing him about his delusional obsession with a movie getting made.
“Sometimes the way the TV biz works leaves me scratching my head, going, “Huh?” Other times, I get it… it’s fate.”
Wow, Michael, can you be more gross? I don’t think Maura Tierney’s illness should be described as some kind of cosmic “fate” that befell her to enable some other actress to take her part on a TV show.
Have some tact. Yeesh.
I don’t think he was referring to Tierney’s illness, but the fact that Lauren Graham’s pilot didn’t get picked up. A lot of people were shocked that anything with her name on it would get passed over. Had the show been picked up, however, Graham wouldn’t have been available for this part. I believe that’s the fate part he was referring to. [My apologies to Michael Ausiello for speaking for him. May he not send the wrath of Gargamel upon me if I am mistaken...]
Not just her pilot not getting picked up, but Helen Hunt passing on this project. Maura Tierney was out of this project LONG before Lauren Graham got involved. I can only speak for myself, but when I heard Tierney was out, my first thought was “that sucks/hope she’s okay” (she was the reason I was interested in the first place). My second thought was, “hey, can Lauren Graham step in?”
With Jason Katmis (Friday Night Lights) and Lauren Graham on board, this is a MUST SEE for me.
Somehow I see nothing wrong in a short interview with not mentioning the person whom previously had the role but stepped down due to cancer…. It can’t be just about the original actress and really people reading bad into what’s said or not said need to chill a bit I think.
Cancer’s a big thing and scary to a lot of people, there’s a ton of people whom know someone who died from it or knew someone who went through it…. in all likelihood it’s just the big scary thing in the closet no one knows what to say about or gets nervous thinking bout and would say the wrong thing.
As great as Maura would’ve been it’s good for her that she stepped down, fighting cancer takes a lot out of you, even with the best cast director and writers plus it being a ensemble show doing a show would take a lot out of her too… being smart enough to step down was smart since she can focus on fighting cancer and hopefully get into remission and live.
As for Lauren graham she stepped into a roll that she had to know Maura fans would have some snide remarks bout her stepping into and all so frankly good for her to be brave to do that and chill out people.
Nice post, Kael.
As far as Parenthood, I might have watched with Maura Tierney but now it will be must see because of Lauren Graham.
I guess he wanted to keep it light, but that was my first thought. How could not ask how it feels to step in under the circumstances. She has to be prepared for that question, right? Maybe there is no good answer…. It sucks, but the show must go on.
Personally i think that question would be seen by more people as impolite to ask… potential prob causing etc plus what answer could anyone give other than “I wish I hadn’t gotten the part from someone stepping down due to cancer.”
Unless it was someone who’d never been on a show before and was a entirely new talent no one would think of another answer and even then they probably wouldn’t.
Yes, people just need to chill out. It wasn’t like Lauren wished for the cancer to happen.
So glad to hear from Lauren! I miss her but I miss Lorelaï too! Can’t wait to see this “Parenthood” now!
I’m so glad we get to see Lauren again, even when at times I couldn’t stand Alexis’ character, I always loved Lauren’s and it’s such a treat to see her again.
Seriously? People really though she was serious about the movie? Come on pull your head outta ur ass!
I am excited she back on my tv with new stuff
Michael for the love of God please STOP this nonsense about the GG movie. Clearly, she’s over it. MK is right – delusional is being kind. Keep writing the Luke-Lorelai wedding in your fan fiction diary, but stop trying to make it happen. Some of us LOATHE the idea of Lorelai settling down and popping out babies to a man who was horrible to her, but more important, the show is OVER. Alexis and Lauren don’t want to go back to it. This is getting NAUSEATING to hear you keep bringing it up.
I think Michael’s persistant questions about the movie are more of a running joke than anything serious, and I think he knows it. (I hope so, anyway.)
Hopefully, all of those involve with GG have the decentcy to leave it alone. I gringe at the thought of reunion shows. It’s over. Enjoy the DVDs. Curse the CW. But, the creative people have all moved on.
Despite what Amy and Lauren may have thought, I think most fans liked the ending: Rory went off to make her way in the world, and Lorelai got back together with Luke. I know that is what I wanted to happen. And, I felt it was implied that Lorelai and Luke would be together forever this time. I’d even go so far as to say that someday Rory and Jess will end up together, too. I don’t need to see a movie of that…I’ve already imagined it and closed the door.
Is anyone else worried that this show is airing on NBC? They haven’t exactly been kind to their riskier shows lately. I can see them canceling it after three episodes, then filling its time slot with a rerun of the previous night’s Leno.
I don’t know if I’m in the silent minority over this but I’ll put it out there anyway. There should NOT be a Gilmore Girls movie. GG was destroyed for me when they had Jess arrive (nothing against Milo V.) and Rory started to be mean to Dean. I loved Rory and Dean together. Dean should not have married that other girl at all. Then, GG makes Rory totally even more horrendous by contemplating sleeping with the now married Dean. I just never got over that plot point. Rory would not do this. The show totally changed her character when Rory met Jess and was in college. Don’t even get me started on how the show ruined Paris.
I just don’t see a movie plot at all.
dear god hell no. dean was grating and annoying. Jess was a welcome addition and showed that rory though a good person was not perfect. Though i do agree her sleeping with a married dean pissed me off 1 because i thought it was completely out of character and 2 as i’ve said already can’t stand dean.
i don’t think there will ever be a movie but i think that a fictional plot would involve lorelai getting back with Luke for good, and maybe even rory and Jess ending up together him writing/ publishing more books her being a NYC journalist.
I loved Jess! I think the show started dying when she slept with Dean and tried to make that mess happen. I never was a big fan of Logan either. Really liked that Jess got his whole act together though.
I think it is understood that everyone, the cast, crew and fans are all rooting for Maura Tierney, but I do not think she has to be referenced in every item about Parenthood. Even as respects her former role.
I’m not sure I agree. Her lucky break is on the back of someone else’s misfortune, and her first interview on getting the part could at least acknowledge that. Thereafter, sure, it’s not necessary to mention Maura every time.
Michael’s use of the word “fate” is unfortunate in the circumstances and he should have shown more care.
I’m not sure I would call this Lauren Grahams “lucky break.” She is far too talented and too much of a powerhouse to need a break…
Your concern with the article seems to have more to do with your loyalty towards MT than an issue of respect regarding LG. If you don’t like Lauren as an actress, or you weren’t a fan of the GG, then I could understand your disappointment especially if you really like Maura’s work, but dissing Lauren, as she didn’t write this article, isn’t the way to go. I agree with JLI – this is not about getting a lucky break.
Is she joking about the movie…I can’t tell.
Of course she is joking. The cast have all been busy with other projects. They haven’t secretly filmed a movie and have it “in the can” (which is what that means – in the old metal cans that hold the movie reels). She’s joking, and it’s a good one, to tell Ausiello to stop asking if it will be made. Now he can go off on some wild good chase trying to find who has the canisters with the film in it and leave her alone about it.
If he has any RESPECT for this actor — apart from claiming she’s his BFF as a joke (talk about delusion!) — he’d realize that she needs to distance herself from that character if she’s to have a future life as an actor in DIFFERENT roles.
Welcome back, Lauren! We’ve been missed you!!!
I was so happy when I saw the promos for this show, with Maura Tierney as the lead. She’s such an amazing underrated actress. I was more than disappointed when she had to drop out (especially because I hope she fully recover). If there is anyone who could make me this excited to watch, or who could ‘replace’ MT it is the very talented Lauren Graham. I can’t wait. They casted this part twice brilliantly.
I’m with Mike with the obsession with getting a GG movie! We need our closure! But, still, I’m excited for Lauren back on TV. Can’t wait for this show!!!
Happy to read this interview
seven years with the GG and nobody is able to see the real mrs Graham
yet
Mara, please explain what you mean by that?
You guys really think they managed to make a GG movie without the media being all over it? Obviously sarcasm.
I don’t think Lauren needed to or should have mentioned Maura, it’s mentioned in every article about the change in actors, everybody knows. There was no question that straight out asked her about it so why bring it up? And it wasn’t like she was pretending she was the best actress and the first choice, whoever said that is a fool.