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Intern or insurance man

In case you missed it

By Jazzy Published about a year ago 3 min read
Top Story - August 2024
Intern Norman Shales

I can’t lie to you, I am a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan before I was a huge Gilmore Girl’s fan. So when I eventually added Gilmore Girl’s to my list of comfort shoes, I was so excited to see some familiar faces! Currently on my fourth rewatch, and of course, restarted the series mid August as I get ready for fall. I’ll I’m missing is my homemade pumpkin spice cold brew and a comfy sweater. (Speaking of, I have created a Lorelai influenced outfit I could use some tips on so remind me to post that!)

the outfit in question

You see, you met this wonderful man as Grandpa Gilmore; however I met him as Intern Norman Shales. Ed Hermann appeared in Grey’s as one of the oldest interns and was absolutely adorable. A bit of a stretch when it came to the storyline and plot however I loved his character. He was sweet, and soft spoken; which I see in Grandpa Gilmore. Imagine my surprise to find that Norman was now, a grandpa to our main character? Very surprised. I have to say Ed Hermann’s acting is *chefs kiss*. Of course, Grandpa seems to be much more posh, which we I think as a community like about him. I happen to really like Grandpa as a character and was very sad to find he wasn’t in the revival. (May he rest in peace.)

Just a brief history on Ed Hermann as we remember him;

He has a Tony Award for acting in plays, and was nominated for multiple Emmy awards, and also won an Emmy as well. So his start would seem to be Broadway, which is just stunning. He was versatile in his ability to act, and even had a voiceover series on PBS. (This is not an exhaustive list of what he has done, however, he has also been in multiple movies and even other productions in multiple ways. I chose to focus on what I found super interesting but you can find all his accomplishments here:

Richard Gilmore: our collective grandpa

Ed Hermann and Kelly Bishop

So how did our man, Ed Hermann make it to our dear show? Interestingly enough he was the number one person considered for the the role of Richard. He supposedly sat down with the script and read the part of Richard Gilmore and the writers realized that he brought the character to life. Even more stunning was according to his agent he wasn’t even suppose to be there reading that script. (Very unclear why he wouldn’t have come to read the script but we are all happy he did!)

He was loved amongst the other cast members, and would regale the others with his excitement and extensive knowledge about theatre and acting. He was a lovely man, both on the screen and in real life.

Though I have to admit at times the strained relationship between Lorelai and Richard was alittle too real for me. I personally have an *interesting* relationship with my own father and sometimes watching their conflict on screen gave me peace about my own conflict in own life. I remember the scene where Christopher’s parents are going off in the Gilmore house about Lorelai and Richard stands up to them. And I cried, I cried watching that scene. Then following that scene Lorelai says thank you, and they fight and I cried more. These characters feel so real to me.

We will miss you Richard Gilmore, and Intern Norman Shales. I certainly know that I wished I had a grandpa like him. The revival was such a nice way to honor him after his passing, which is credited to brain cancer unfortunately. The whole show held a space for him, and I know we all felt the loss that was Richard Gilmore.

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About the Creator

Jazzy

Follow on IG @jazzygoncalves

Head of the Jazzy Writers Association (JWA) in partnership with the Vocal HWA chapter.

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Comments (14)

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  • Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 11 months ago

    Hi we are featuring your excellent Top Story in our Community Adventure Thread in The Vocal Social Society on Facebook and would love for you to join us there

  • Andrea Corwin about a year ago

    Aww, it is so sweet that you shared that touching moment in the show that reminded you of your family! Great story, and congrats on that Top Story!🥳 I have watched "some" of Gilmore Girls and it is great. I loved Grey's back in the day but don't watch any longer. Now I'm more Will Trent and Abbot's Elementary!

  • Tina D'Angeloabout a year ago

    Oh, dear! What's a short girl to do? Wide leg pants will make me look like a dwarf. Skinny jeans make me look outdated. Oh, boy! Waiting for the next fashion go-round!

  • Kayleigh Fraser ✨about a year ago

    💔 I also loved this show… one I had long forgotten about until now!

  • Babs Iversonabout a year ago

    Marvelous tribute!!! Congratulations on Top Story!!!💕❤️❤️

  • Sonia Heidi Unruhabout a year ago

    I never made the connection that Norman and Richard were portrayed by the same actor! Nice piece.

  • Kelli Sheckler-Amsdenabout a year ago

    Nice work, Jazzy. Congrats on your top story

  • Sanjay Upadhyayabout a year ago

    congrats on the TS

  • Sid Aaron Hirjiabout a year ago

    This guy was in a horror movie too that I saw when I was younger. Never cared for Gilmore girls much. gzz on ts

  • Tiffany Gordonabout a year ago

    Gilmore Girls was such a great show! I enjoyed hearing your thoughts! Rest well Mr. Hermann!

  • Rachel Deemingabout a year ago

    I don't know Gilmore Girls but I recognise this actor as the head vampire in "The Lost Boys", which doesn't add to his lovely grampa image. Good actor and I am sorry to hear of his passing. A real shame.

  • Cindy Calderabout a year ago

    Enjoyed your article even though I'm not a fan of either show either. He has been, undeniably, a superb actor over the years.

  • Dana Crandellabout a year ago

    While I'm not a fan of either of the shows you've mentioned, I enjoyed Mr. Herrmann's performances in several movies. He was a very versatile actor, with presence. A fine tribute, Jazzy!

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