A driving force in both Lorelai and Rory’s life, Richard Gilmore—played by Edward Herrmann—is a smartly dressed international insurance consultant, lover of literature, former Whiffenpoof, grandfather, golfer, vintage car lover, and Yale alum. Despite his society ties and traditional, rule-oriented lifestyle, Richard admires Lorelai’s sense of adventure and business sensibility, offering help when asked. Notwithstanding their difficult past with Lorelai, Richard and Emily savor their Friday Night Dinners—a byproduct of a loan agreement made to pay for Chilton, then later when Rory attends Yale—with their daughter and granddaughter, eager to forge a relationship. These Friday Night Dinners became an important theme throughout the series, showing the contrast between Lorelai and Rory’s relationship, Emily and Lorelai’s relationship, and the bond that formed between grandparents and grandchild. Show creator Amy Sherman-Palladino said of Edward Herrmann’s audition, “We sat there in stunned silence as Ed opened the script and proceeded to read. And just like that, Richard Gilmore was sitting in front of us.”

Don’t you look dapper? Dress to impress with this simple garter stitch bow tie worked flat back and forth in rows. It’s designed to standard bow tie measurements, and the neck size is easily adjustable by adding or removing length in the straight section. Straightforward increases and decreases make this the perfect project for beginner knitters. Stripe it in your alma mater’s colors like Richard’s version, use a gradient for pizzazz, or keep it effortless with a solid color.