Edward Herrmann’s television family has begun responding to the news of his sudden death. The man best-known for playing Richard Gilmore on the seven seasons of Gilmore Girls was remembered in a loving Tweet by Lauren Graham, who sent her love and appreciation thusly:
My friend Ed Herrmann was the kindest, classiest, most talented man. It was an honor and a joy to know him, a devastating blow to lose him.
— Lauren Graham (@thelaurengraham) December 31, 2014
It wasn’t all Graham had to say, though. She released a much longer statement to TVLine:
Ed Herrmann’s combination of pure charisma plus his distinctive voice lit up any room he entered. He had a gentlemanly manner, a wicked sense of humor, and a sharp wit. He was well-read, interesting, and just plain fun to be around. He had deep respect and love for the craft of acting and led by example. You wanted to be better prepared, or just plain better, because he always was. He brought such humor and humanity to all his work, but I know the character of Richard Gilmore had a special place in his heart. He loved our show and was touched by the enthusiasm of its fans.
And former on-screen wife Kelly Bishop revealed that she was able to say goodbye to Herrmann at his hospital bed:
We, the Gilmore Girls family, are so terribly sad and somewhat stunned. We only learned about his illness a week or so ago. I got a call from [Edward’s wife] Star Monday night asking if I wanted to come to the hospital to say good-bye. I went yesterday and was able to give Ed love from Lauren [Graham], Alexis [Bledel] and Amy [Sherman-Palladino]… I have so many fond memories of our time together on Gilmore Girls and since, mainly via email. I think everyone who knew or worked with Ed found him to be absolutely delightful… Everything looks a little dim, as if the lights went down.
Herrmann, 71, succumbed to brain cancer on New Year’s Eve. He is survived by his wife; three children; and several grandchildren.
(Photo credits: Screencap via Netflix; Lauren Graham on Twitter)
