Actor-director Edward Hermann succumbed to brain cancer last week. He was 71.

Among his many roles onscreen and onstage, Hermann is probably best known for playing Richard Gilmore in the now-defunct television series, "Gilmore Girls".

"Gilmore Girls" creator Amy Sherman-Palladino shared with TV Line how it was meeting the actor for the first time, and how she desperately wanted to cast him in the show.

Like Us on Facebook

Sherman-Palladino shared that when they approached Hermann's agent about casting him in "Gilmore Girls", his agent said that the actor was willing to meet them but that he wasn't going to read for the part. Sherman-Palladino knew how big the actor was, and how he's worked in memorable movies and with the most famous stars, so even getting a meeting with Hermann was already a big deal.

The "Gilmore Girls" creator then shared that when she finally met Hermann, she was extremely surprised by how genuine and down-to-earth the actor was.

"He sat down and said, 'I like it. It's funny. Should I read?' 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. And that's when I knew this show was charmed... To our patriarch, I thank you. I miss you. And I could never repay you," Sherman-Palladino added.

Hermann began acting in the 1970's, starring in iconic movies such as "The Great Waldo Pepper", "The Paper Chase", "The Great Gatsby", and "The Betsy".

He is also known for his portrayal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the television flick "Eleanor and Franklin", and Herman Munster in the telemovie "Here Come the Munsters".

Hermann was nominated in 1983 for a Tony Award for his role in "Plenty", and two Emmy Awards in 1986 and 1987 for his guest role as Father Joseph McCabe on St. Elsewhere. He earned an Emmy in 1999 for is guest role on the legal drama, "The Practice".

TagsEdward Hermann, Gilmore Girls