Tony Award-Winning Stage, TV & Film Actress; Known for "Gilmore Girls," "Dirty Dancing" & "A Chorus Line"

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Kelly Bishop Biography

Kelly Bishop is best known for playing the character Baby’s mother in “Dirty Dancing” and Emily Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls.” She won a Tony Award for best featured actress in a musical for her role as Sheila in “A Chorus Line.”

A former ballet dancer, Bishop trained at the American Ballet Theatre School and the San Jose Ballet School. At 18, she danced in a year-round company at Radio City Music Hall and performed in Las Vegas, summer stock and on television before making her Broadway debut in “Golden Rainbow” in 1967. Her Broadway credits include Neil Simon’s “Proposals,” “Six Degrees of Separation,” “The Last Days of Ballyhoo,” “Bus Stop,” “Precious Sons” and “Becky Shaw,” along with numerous off-Broadway and regional theater appearances.

Her film work began with Paul Mazursky’s “An Unmarried Woman” in 1978. She gained fame in “Dirty Dancing” in 1986 and appeared in “Private Parts,” “Wonder Boys,” “Queens Logic,” “Cafe Society,” “Miami Rhapsody” and “Blue Moon.”

On television, she starred in “Gilmore Girls” and appeared in “The Thorns,” “My Wildest Dreams,” “Murphy Brown,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Army Wives,” “Mercy” and “The Good Wife.” In 2012, she played Fanny Flowers on Amy Sherman-Palladino’s “Bunheads.”

Bishop enjoys Pilates, aerobics, hiking and gardening. She was married to TV talk show host Lee Leonard.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/18/2026.

Kelly Bishop Videos

Kelly Bishop tells us how she got involved with Gilmore Girls

Kelly Bishop tells us how she got involved with Gilmore Girls

Kelly Bishop tells us how she got involved with Gilmore Girls.

"Gilmore Girls"' Kelly Bishop reflects on grief and loss

"Gilmore Girls"' Kelly Bishop reflects on grief and loss

For many the name Kelly Bishop is synonymous with the matriarchal character Emily Gilmore in the television series “The Gilmore Girls."

The Third Gilmore Girl: Kelly Bishop with Lauren Graham

The Third Gilmore Girl: Kelly Bishop with Lauren Graham

Join award-winning actress Kelly Bishop for the launch of her captivating new memoir The Third Gilmore Girl.

  • How do I book Kelly Bishop to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Kelly Bishop

    Speaking fees for Kelly Bishop, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Kelly Bishop are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kelly Bishop, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Kelly Bishop speak about?

    Kelly Bishop is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Celebrity, Performing Arts, Television & Film
  • Where does Kelly Bishop travel from?

    Kelly Bishop generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Kelly Bishop for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kelly Bishop for your next private or corporate function.
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Kelly Bishop is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kelly Bishop for your event is available upon request. Kelly Bishop generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lauren Graham, Sarah Snook, Cynthia Erivo, Carol Kane and Gina Gershon. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kelly Bishop for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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