Scott Patterson Reflects on His Role in Gilmore Girls

It’s hard to imagine Stars Hollow without Luke, and Scott Patterson, 67, certainly agrees. He recently shared that, if he could take on a different character from Gilmore Girls, he’d choose Kirk. “I’d want to be a hot dog for a day. Why not?” he joked.

Kirk, portrayed by Sean Gunn, is known for his quirky jobs in the small town, including a memorable stint as a giant hot dog and various odd jobs. The beloved show aired for seven seasons from 2000 to 2007, following single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they navigated life in Connecticut.

Patterson played the role of Lorelai’s boyfriend during the series. The show also highlighted her affluent parents, Emily (Kelly Bishop) and Richard Gilmore (Edward Herrmann), along with Sookie (Melissa McCarthy), Lorelai’s friend and chef at the Independence Inn.

Sadly, Herrmann passed away in 2014 at the age of 71. Currently, Patterson is revisiting the series for a podcast titled “I Am All In…Again! with Scott Patterson,” which has renewed his appreciation for Kirk.

He mused about the potential of creating a full-length movie centered around Kirk. “I could see a world where a ‘Kirk movie’ could thrive at the box office,” he speculated. However, he acknowledges that he’s not quite like Luke. “I enjoy hanging out and joking more, so perhaps I’m closer to Lorelai,” he admitted.

Patterson recalls first reading the pilot script and feeling an instant connection. “It felt like it was written for me,” he remarked. His hope is that fans will be able to enjoy more of Stars Hollow in the future.

“I’d love to do a Christmas special,” he revealed earlier this week. He believes there’s a demand for more content and they’re doing their best to make it happen. There’s been some talk among creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and Graham about the possibility of a holiday special this year.

He expressed uncertainty about whether the interest was planned or accidental, but it seemed like a project that could fit into their busy schedules. The series also saw a brief revival in 2016 with “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.”

Patterson is optimistic about Luke and Lorelai’s relationship if a Christmas special were to materialize. “They are eternal, rock solid,” he said. He appreciates that they are independent yet cherish their bond. “That desire to be together is powerful,” he concluded.