Edward Herrmann

Edward Herrmann was a distinguished American actor with a career that spanned over four decades, best known for his performances in Gilmore Girls and The Lost Boys. Born on July 21, 1943, in Washington, D.C., Herrmann's passion for acting began in high school and continued into his college years at Bucknell University where he studied theater. He further honed his craft studying drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Herrmann's breakthrough came in 1976 when he portrayed Franklin D. Roosevelt in the television film Eleanor and Franklin, earning him the first of his five Emmy nominations. His portrayal of FDR became one of his most recognized roles, which he reprised in two sequels and a Broadway musical. Herrmann was recognized for his distinctive voice, which he used to great effect in numerous voiceover and narration roles, including documentaries for The History Channel and PBS. His versatile acting skills led him to appear in a variety of genres, from dramas like Reds and The Paper Chase, to comedies such as Overboard, and thrillers like The Lost Boys. It was his role as the wealthy and lovable grandfather Richard Gilmore on the television series Gilmore Girls that endeared him to a new generation of fans. Despite his prolific career, Herrmann remained true to his love of stage acting, performing in several Broadway productions and winning a Tony Award for his performance in Mrs. Warren's Profession. Edward Herrmann passed away on December 31, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.