Gilmore Girls introduced us to some of our favorite heartthrobs from the early 2000s, including Milo Ventimiglia, Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry, who all spent time in Stars Hollow.

Following the adventures of the fast-talking mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel respectively, Gilmore Girls perfectly captured millennial life with its mix of romance, drama and quick-witted humor.

Though it premiered on October 5, 2000, the coffee at Luke's Diner is still hot, and so are the careers of the show's cast members, who have continued to shine in popular series and blockbuster films.

Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore

Source: MEGAGraham embodied the "cool mom" archetype as Lorelai Gilmore.

Known for her love of junk food, caffeine and witty comebacks, Graham raised her daughter, Rory, after becoming a young mother at 16.

Following a Broadway debut in Guys & Dolls in 2007, she continued playing strong maternal figures, including Sarah Braverman in Parenthood (2010-2015).

Graham appeared in films like Evan Almighty, Because I Said So and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and flexed her vocal talents on Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist in 2020. Graham published her latest book, Have I Told You This Already? Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember, in 2022.

She and her longtime partner, Peter Krause, split in 2021 after more than a decade together.

Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore

Source: MEGABledel made her TV debut as Rory, Lorelai's smart and witty daughter.

Bledel starred in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (both movies) and earned an Emmy in 2017 for her role in The Handmaid's Tale. She recently reunited with Graham at the 2025 Primetime Emmys to celebrate the series' milestone.

Bledel was previously married to Vincent Kartheiser, her Mad Men costar, with whom she shares one child before their divorce in 2022.

Scott Patterson as Luke Danes

Source: MEGAScott Patterson rose to fame as Lorelai's love interest, Luke Danes, the rugged diner owner.

After Gilmore Girls, he appeared in horror films like Saw IV, V and VI, as well as on shows like 90210 and The Event.

Patterson hosts the podcast "I Am All In," where he discusses each episode of the series and starred in a Walmart commercial with Graham and other Gilmore faces for the 2024 holidays. Since 2023, he has played Harry "Sully" Sullivan on Sullivan's Crossing alongside fellow Gilmore alum Chad Michael Murray.

Milo Ventimiglia as Jess Mariano

Source: MEGAVentimiglia portrayed bad boy Jess Mariano, Rory's on-again/off-again love interest.

Before Gilmore, he starred in shows like American Dreams and Boston Public. Afterward, he gained fame as Peter Petrelli on Heroes (2006-2010) and Jack Pearson on NBC's This Is Us, earning three Emmy nominations.

However, in January, he revealed his Malibu home suffered damage in the Pacific Palisades fire."You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house," he said.

He and his wife, Jarah Mariano, welcomed their first child, Ke'ala Coral Ventimiglia, on January 23, 2025.

Melissa McCarthy as Sookie St. James

Source: MEGAMelissa McCarthy showcased her comedic talent as Sookie, Lorelai's best friend and clumsy chef.

Her career blossomed post-Gilmore, landing roles in shows like Samantha Who? and Mike & Molly, and films such as Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters.

McCarthy boasts two Oscar nominations and has won two Emmy Awards.

She married actor Ben Falcone in 2005, and they share two children.

Keiko Agena as Lane Kim

Source: MEGAKeiko Agena landed the role of Rory's best friend, Lane Kim.

Despite a strict upbringing, Lane started a band and later married one of its members.

Agena appeared in guest roles on shows like Scandal, Shameless and Better Call Saul, and starred in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

MORE ON:Gilmore Girls'Gilmore Girls' Reboot Rumors: What the Cast Is Really Saying About a Return to Stars Hollow'Gilmore Girls' Reboot Rumors: What the Cast Is Really Saying About a Return to Stars HollowCraziest Moments From the 2025 Emmys: Hannah Einbinder's Censored Speech, Seth Rogen's First-Ever Win and MoreWant OK! each day? Sign up here!

Liza Weil as Paris Geller

Source: MEGALiza Weil played ambitious Paris Geller, Rory's best friend.

Before Gilmore, she appeared on The West Wing and E.R. After the show, she appeared in Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder.

Weil was married to actor Paul Adelstein from 2006 to 2017.

Jared Padalecki as Dean Forester

Source: MEGAPadalecki played Rory's first boyfriend, Dean.

After Gilmore, he starred in Supernatural, which ran for 15 seasons, and now headlines the reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger.

Padalecki has been