Actor Edward Herrmann has died at the age of 71. The Washington, DC native had been fighting brain cancer.
Herrmann is perhaps best known for playing Lorelai’s father and Rory’s grandfather Richard Gilmore on the television series Gilmore Girls. Herrmann appeared in all seven seasons of the show.
His first breakout role came in the 1970s, when he portrayed President Franklin Roosevelt in a pair of made-for-TV movies, both of which earned him Emmy nominations for Best Actor. He also earned nominations for his guest-starring appearances on the television series St. Elsewhere and The Practice.
Herrmann’s work wasn’t limited to television however: He also portrayed FDR in the first feature-length film adaption of Annie in 1982. Other film credits included roles in Harry’s War, The Purple Rose of Cairo, and The Lost Boys.
Additionally, he earned a Tony Award for his role in the 1983 production of Plenty and frequently did work as a narrator for The History Channel.
