The television series “Gilmore Girls” boasts an exceptional ensemble, and I was taken aback to learn that Alex Borstein was initially intended for a leading role. While it’s well-known that Borstein played minor characters on the show before gaining fame, had she stayed in the main cast, “Gilmore Girls” would have been a fundamentally different program.
Many people recognize Borstein for her role as Lois Griffin’s voice-actor in the popular animated series, Family Guy. However, it was when I saw her portray Susie Myerson, Midge’s sharp-witted manager, in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, that I became a dedicated fan of Borstein. This series, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who also made Gilmore Girls, earned Borstein two Emmys and numerous accolades. It seems that Sherman-Palladino had recognized something exceptional in Borstein during their time together on Gilmore Girls, as suggested by the larger role she was intended to play.
Alex Borstein Was Originally Cast As Sookie St. James In Gilmore Girls
She Played Sookie In The Unaired Pilot
Initially, it seemed unthinkable that anyone other than Melissa McCarthy could portray Lorelai’s closest friend. However, Alex Borstein was originally chosen for the role of Sookie St. James and even appeared as her in the initial, unreleased Gilmore Girls pilot. Unfortunately, Borstein was already committed to MadTV at that time, and her contract with the sketch comedy series hindered her from joining Gilmore Girls.
From 1997 to 2002, Borstein was a significant character on the TV show MadTV. She became well-known for her recurring character, Ms. Swan, and made occasional appearances on the show until 2009. Despite not playing Sookie on Gilmore Girls, it’s plausible to assume Borstein might still feel disappointed. However, Borstein herself has expressed no regrets about this, as she shared with Vulture.
During the audition for Gilmore Girls, I had the chance to meet Amy and her manager-producer, Gavin Polone at the time. Together with him, I crafted two pilot episodes, which kickstarted my career as a writer. This has made me quite content. I believe this opportunity may not have come my way if I were part of Gilmore Girls, so it’s all good!
Melissa McCarthy Is Better For The Sookie Part Than Borstein
Borstein’s Acerbic Humor Would Have Been Wrong For Lorelai’s Best Friend
Alex Borstein is known for being one of Hollywood’s top comedic talents, yet her type of humor might not have suited the character of Sookie St. James. Borstein shines brightest and funniest in dry, witty roles, as demonstrated by her standout performance as Susie on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. However, this doesn’t mean that Borstein lacks the ability to make her characters vulnerable, as shown in Maisel, but she might have appeared too harsh for the light and carefree atmosphere of Gilmore Girls.
In a surprising twist, little did I know that Melissa McCarthy would captivate me as Sookie. Right from the start, her charm and vivaciousness won over viewers, making us instantly fond of her character. McCarthy graced nearly every one of the 153 episodes in Gilmore Girls, a series that became iconic and kick-started her remarkable career. Following her groundbreaking performance in Bridesmaids, which earned her an Oscar nomination, McCarthy’s busy schedule was largely responsible for her limited appearances in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, the 2016 sequel miniseries on Netflix.
Alex Borstein’s Two Gilmore Girls Characters, Explained
She Played Drella & Miss Celine
Although Alex Borstein didn’t take on the role of Sookie St. James, she still left her mark in Stars Hollow. Known for her wit, Borstein appeared not once but twice as a guest star in Gilmore Girls. Initially, she was a recurring character in the show’s first four episodes, portraying Drella, the brash harpist at the Independence Inn. The intriguing contrast between the calming melodies of the harp and Drella’s abrasive demeanor allowed Borstein to showcase her comedic abilities brilliantly.
In another role by Alex Borstein within the Gilmore Girls series, we find Miss Celine, a fashionable character who dons a turban and serves as Emily Gilmore’s personal stylist. She is prominent in seasons 3 and 5. Apart from her exceptional sense of style, Miss Celine is renowned for referencing classic Hollywood stars and pairing her clients with them. Similarly, Drella and Miss Celine made appearances in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, highlighting the strong bond between Borstein and series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino. Unfortunately, Borstein did not feature in Sherman-Palladino’s latest TV production, but should Étoile return for a second season, I certainly hope to see her again.
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2025-05-13 06:27