The seriesGilmore Girlsjust got another streaming home, this time landing onHulu, which means even more people can binge the beloved series. While the show is filled with sharp, quirky, and funny characters,Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of the quirky and passionate chef and Lorelei’s (Lauren Graham) best friend and business partner,Sookie St. James is the bestGilmore Girlscharacter. Audiences weren’t totally aware ofMcCarthy’s genius comedic timingyet, but this role let her put it on full display, easily becoming one of the funniest characters of the series. Even with castingone of the funniest humans on the planetto play Sookie, there was so much more that made her a fully formed character that audiences still love to this day.
The Character of Sookie St. James Was So Much More Than Comic Relief in ‘Gilmore Girls’
Back whenGilmore Girlswas first airing, it wasn’t uncommon to see the “best friend” role be relegated to an actor with only a few scenes, merely there to support the lead of the show and maybe get a few laughs. Thankfully, creatorAmy Sherman Palladinorecognized McCarthy’s talents,highlighting not only her comedic abilities but also her warmth and vulnerability. Throughout the show’s 7-season run, Sookie hasher own real character arcs, going from a passionate, and yes, often clumsy, chef to a successful businesswoman and master at her craft. She also married another fan-favorite character, Jackson (Jackson Douglas), and they have two children together.
While her endearing clumsiness and her passion for food often drew laughs, Sookie had moments of self-doubt and fear and struggles with her work/life balance, making her a fully formed and relatable character.Her loyalty to Loreleiand their friendship easily became one of the best duos of the show.It was clear that these two women loved and respected one another, even when they clashed over the Inn they ran together. Sookie’s role in Rory’s (Alexis Bledel) life is also what makes her such a great character. Her unwavering support for Rory’s dreams and being there whenLorelai and Rory were on the outsproves that Sookie was more than just a one-dimensional character.
Grab Your Coffee and Get Ready to Binge ‘Gilmore Girls’ on a New Streamer
Oy with the streamers already!
What Melissa McCarthy Brought to the Role of Sookie in ‘Gilmore Girls’
SinceGilmore Girlsended, Melissa McCarthy has had a sensational career, going on to star in her own showMike & Molly, which earned her her first Emmy Award. She also has had great success in her film career, earning two Academy Award nominations for her iconic performance in the comedyBridesmaids,as well as her more dramatic turn in the filmCan You Ever Forgive Me?These three roles perfectly encapsulatewhy Sookie became the iconic and beloved character she is today.
Even in McCarthy’s funniest roles, there is a depth she brings to the characters she plays, showing a vulnerability and warmth behind the hilarious one-liners and physical comedy. With her role inGilmore Girls, she did exactly that, playing the physical comedy of falling in the kitchen or spraying herself in the eye to the sweet moments between her and Lorelai or Jackson.Sookie’s deeper moments are just as powerful as her light-hearted ones, showcasingMcCarthy’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotion. She has great chemistry with Lauren Graham and the twoeasily nail the quick-paced signature dialoguethe show became famous for.
Thanks to streaming,Gilmore Girlshas gained a whole new generation of viewers who areseeing the early aughts classicfor the first time. While they won’t have the experience of seeing Melissa McCarthy in one of her earliest roleswithout knowing the star she’d become,it’s clear from her standout performance why her career took off the way it did. Even with her incredible success, her role as Sookie St. James remains one of her best. McCarthy’s portrayal brought a rare authenticity to the character, making Sookie an unforgettable part ofGilmore Girls' enduring legacy.
All seasons ofGilmore Girlsis now available to stream on Hulu.
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Gilmore Girls
A dramedy centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
