Alexis Bledel stars as Rory Gilmore on the WB’s critically acclaimed series Gilmore Girls. The show’s successful move to Tuesday nights this season has seen ratings increase by more than 54 percent, which makes Gilmore Girls the fastest-growing show on television!
Alexis plays the good daughter Rory on the show but is also a good person in real life. Alexis is currently serving as the national spokesperson for Baskin-Robbins’ Annual Free Scoop Night to benefit First Book–which takes place May 1–a national nonprofit organization that promotes literacy by providing children from low-income families with new books.
We were lucky enough to grab a few minutes of Alexis’ time to chat about the show, get a little inside scoop on what’s coming up for Rory and Lorelai, and which flavor of ice cream Alexis will get as her free scoop.
Gilmore Girls has received not only public, but critical, acclaim, as well. What do you attribute the show’s success to?
Alexis Bledel: …A lot of people relate, or want to relate, to the relationship Lorelai and Rory have. Most of the fans I hear from are mothers or daughters who find something in the characters that resemble them or find something in the characters to emulate. Kids find Rory a different example of the teenage characters they see on TV and in movies now.
How are you like Rory?
Bledel: She’s pretty determined and driven–that’s one thing we probably share. And she wants to travel, and I have traveled. And she wants to learn as much as she can about the world around her, she wants to become an overseas correspondent….I think we share that.
The relationship between Lorelai and Rory is certainly unique. How close are you with your mother?
Bledel: We’re very close, and we’ve always been close.
And what’s your relationship with co-star Lauren Graham like?
Bledel: We have a lot of fun on the set. She really keeps the crew going, has a lot of energy, has got a great sense of humor, so we have a good time.
Can you give us an inside scoop on what’s coming up on the show for our fans? What are you allowed to tell us?
Bledel: There’s going to be a wedding–I can’t tell you whose–and I think they’re going to explore what happens between Rory and Jess, the new guy in town. Rory has a boyfriend, Dean, but I think they’re going to toy with that storyline a little bit.
You’ve gotten involved with a wonderful charity: Tell me about Baskin-Robbins’ Annual Free Scoop Night to benefit First Book and how you got involved.
Bledel: Baskin-Robbins is hosting a “free scoop” night on May 1, who will make donations to First Book, which is a national children’s literacy program. Anyone can go to Baskin-Robbins for a scoop of their favorite ice cream, and for every scoop given away, Baskin-Robbins will make another donation to First Book.
This is my first year with the program, and I actually got involved with it because of Rory, my character on the Gilmore Girls. Rory reads everything she can get her hands on, and it turns out that a lot of parents have approached me and told me that their kids started reading because they watched the show. When I heard about Baskin-Robbins’ event, it just tied in well.
Plus, I’ve always enjoyed reading. I just read Tuesdays with Morrie, as a matter of fact.
So what flavor are you going to get as your free scoop at Baskin-Robbins’ Annual Free Scoop Night?
Bledel: [Emphatically.] Rainbow Sherbet.
I see you’re well-acquainted with the flavors there….
Bledel: [Laughs.] Yeah, I like ice cream!
“The Gilmore Girls” airs Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m.
