Gilmore Girls: Then & Now Pics Of Melissa McCarthy & Lauren Graham Prove They're Still Stunners

Melissa McCarthy and Lauren Graham portrayed Sookie St. James and Lorelai Gilmore in "Gilmore Girls," giving us one of television's most unforgettable female friendships. Their bond certainly holds a special place in the hearts of many fans of the show. The popular drama series premiered on The CW in 2000, chronicling the relationship of a mother-daughter duo portrayed by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. However, many side characters have become incredibly beloved throughout the seasons, and one is undeniably the chef of the Independence Inn — and later the Dragonfly Inn. More than two decades after the series first aired, Melissa McCarthy and Lauren Graham are still absolute beauties. Of course, before and after pics of "Gilmore Girls" leading ladies from Season 1 to now showcase that the rest of the cast also looks fabulous, proving that age truly is just a number in terms of beauty.

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On September 23, 2026, McCarthy and Graham reunited at Variety's 2026 Power of Women ceremony, where the former was honored for her work in the industry as well as her philanthropic endeavors. Graham not only showed her support by attending the event, but she was also the one on stage presenting her former co-star with it.

At the event, McCarthy shared that the ladies' friendship blossomed after Graham offered her a helping hand on the set of the 2000s series, which was McCarthy's first big gig. "Lauren was, of course, the star of that show and a real pro," McCarthy shared (via People). "And she could have thrown around her power and pointed out my mistakes, but instead she was incredibly kind and funny and quietly helped me learn the ropes, within the scene, without breaking character," McCarthy, who went on to star in comedies like "Bridesmaids" and "The Heat," admitted.

As a presenter at Variety's 2026 Power of Women, Lauren Graham only had wonderful things to say about Melissa McCarthy, her friend of 25+ years. "I met Melissa playing her pretend friend on Gilmore Girls, and we got to become friends in real life," Graham, who played one of the most stylish TV characters for fall outfit inspo, shared.

In her speech, Graham, who starred in the drama series "Parenthood" after "Gilmore Girls" wrapped up, also gave us a fun glimpse into the duo's friendship. "Among the many festivities we shared over the years was the tradition of taking turns throwing a cowboy-themed Christmas party," the actor revealed, adding, "I don't know why this was the theme. Neither of us was from the South, and I don't know any cowboys, but I still have a 10-gallon hat in my closet and photos of the Christmas where we hired a band called Cousin Lovers to play in my living room" (via People).

The duo reprised their famous roles in the 2016 Netflix miniseries "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life," giving fans of the show a glimpse into what Sookie and Lorelai's friendship looked like years after the original series ended. Now, if you care for more about the women of the 2000s hit, be sure to also check out the leading ladies of "Gilmore Girls" and their real-life partners.