Gilmore Girls Lorelai and Sookie Reunite: Lauren Graham (59) and Melissa McCarthy (56) Steal Variety’s Power of Women Red Carpet
‘Gilmore Girls’ fans have had a lot to celebrate lately. The show marked its 25th anniversary last year with a wave of cast get-togethers, and HBO Max has now set the first authorized documentary about the series, complete with outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Every new ‘Gilmore Girls’ reunion feels like a small gift for viewers who still return to Stars Hollow.
The original series ran for 7 seasons from 2000 to 2007, first on The WB and then on The CW. Lauren Graham starred as Lorelai Gilmore, and Melissa McCarthy played her best friend Sookie St. James, the chef at the inn Lorelai runs. The pair returned to their roles for Netflix’s 2016 revival, ‘Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.’
On Wednesday, September 23, the friends came together again on the red carpet at Variety’s 2026 Power of Women event. The gathering took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
‘Gilmore Girls’ co-stars Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy reunite at the Variety Power of Women event pic.twitter.com/tu6TtxU64V
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 24, 2026
The reunion had a special purpose. McCarthy was one of 4 Power of Women honorees this year, alongside Jennifer Hudson, Pearlena Igbokwe and Sharon Stone, and Graham was on hand to present her award. Queen Latifah presented to Igbokwe, while Marc Maron presented to Stone.
The evening was hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger and presented in partnership with Lifetime. According to Variety, each honoree used their time on stage to spotlight a chosen charity and to show the different ways that power can look. McCarthy supported the Joyful Heart Foundation, and she highlighted 2 women in her life she considers powerful, Mariska Hargitay and Gloria Steinem.
Her message focused on action rather than image. She said the greatest display of power comes from people who roll up their sleeves and help bring change, according to Variety’s coverage of the event.
The 2 stars made a striking pair. Graham wore a red one-shoulder gown, and McCarthy chose a glittering beaded black dress with sheer cape panels, a look that drew plenty of attention from fashion coverage. The contrast between the bold red and the sparkling black made for one of the night’s most photographed pairings.
Lauren Graham recalls meeting Melissa McCarthy while “playing her pretend friend on ‘Gilmore Girls’” before eventually “becoming friends in real life.”
— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026
Variety Power of Women pic.twitter.com/GKycpYsjgf
The reunion comes at a moment when McCarthy has been reflecting on her time in Stars Hollow. In her Variety cover story, published just days before the event, she described the show as truly hard work, recalling scripts that could run 93 pages of rapid, reference-heavy dialogue. She called the experience valuable training, and she said she still sees Graham and former co-star Yanic Truesdale, who played Michel.
McCarthy is also heading in a more serious direction. The Emmy winner and Oscar nominee is next seen in Netflix’s ‘The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey,’ which premieres on December 10. Her Power of Women cover story also touches on that project and on Hollywood’s excuses for why comedies don’t work anymore.
Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy have a “Gilmore Girls” reunion at Variety’s Power of Women event pic.twitter.com/UVvLctUP6o
— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026
Graham, meanwhile, is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, an accomplished producer and a SAG and Golden Globe nominee. Her connection to the show has only deepened over time, and she has remained a central figure in its afterlife. The upcoming HBO Max documentary features her alongside creator Amy Sherman-Palladino.
Gilmore Girls reunion would you LOVE to see next?
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