Who did Lauren Graham play on "Gilmore Girls"?

Lauren Graham played Lorelai Gilmore on "Gilmore Girls." Lorelai is the witty, independent single mother at the center of the series, and Rory Gilmore's mother.

The series premiered on The WB in 2000 and follows Lorelai and Rory in the fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow. Lorelai became pregnant with Rory at 16 and built a life away from her wealthy, traditional parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore. That history drives much of the show's family conflict.

Graham's performance made Lorelai known for rapid-fire dialogue, pop-culture references, warmth, and emotional vulnerability. Alexis Bledel played Rory, while Kelly Bishop and Edward Herrmann portrayed Emily and Richard. A common mix-up is confusing the two central Gilmore women: Graham played Lorelai, while Bledel played her daughter Rory.

Graham reprised the role in the 2016 Netflix revival "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life," which revisited Lorelai's relationships and life in Stars Hollow.