Who was Edward Herrmann? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Edward Kirk Herrmann

Died At Age: 71

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Star Herrmann, Leigh Curran (m. 1978–1992)

father: John Anthony Herrmann

mother: Jean Eleanor

children: Emma Herrmann, Rory Herrmann, Ryan Herrmann

Actors Directors

Height: 6'5" (196 cm), 6'5" Males

Died on: December 31, 2014

place of death: New York, New York, United States

Cause of Death: Brain Cancer

Ancestry: Irish American, German American

More Facts

education: London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Art, Bucknell University

Recommended For You

1

Where was Edward Herrmann born?

Edward Herrmann was born in Washington, D.C., United States.
2

What was Edward Herrmann's most famous role?

Edward Herrmann is best known for his role as Richard Gilmore in the TV series "Gilmore Girls."
3

What other TV series did Edward Herrmann have a recurring role in?

Edward Herrmann also had a recurring role in the TV series "The Good Wife."
4

Did Edward Herrmann ever win an Emmy Award for his performances?

No, Edward Herrmann never won an Emmy Award for his performances.

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Career

Edward Herrmann’s acting career began on stage in the early 1970s. One of his first professional appearance was in the play ‘Moonchildren’ (1971). Around this time, he was also seen in some uncredited roles in movies. His initials films were ‘The Paper Chase’ (1973) and ‘The Great Gatsby’ (1974). In 1976, he landed the defining role of his career when he was cast as Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the TV movie ‘Eleanor and Franklin’. In the following year, he reprised his role in the sequel ‘Eleanor and Franklin:

The White House Years’. He played the role of the former American president once again in the 1982 musical film ‘Annie’. The 2014 miniseries ‘The Roosevelts: An Intimate History’ saw him playing the same role yet again. Overall, he played the character of Franklin D Roosevelt five separate times, in addition to narrating a documentary about him.

Other notable films of Herrmann’s career were ‘Harry's War’ (1981), ‘The Lost Boys’ (1987) and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013). He played the role of the family patriarch Richard Gilmore on ‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000 - 2007), appearing in all episodes. Thanks to his marvelous performance as Richard Gilmore, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest on-screen grandfathers, fathers and husbands.

Apart from acting, Herrmann was also a prolific narrator, known for his clear and distinguished voice. As a voice-over artist, he worked in many History channel and PBS specials. It all started with him hosting ‘History Lost And Found’, a History channel series on the whereabouts of famous artefacts. The show’s popularity led to him becoming the audio-presenter of dozens of History channel programs. Besides these, he recorded many audiobooks and voiced numerous television commercials. His final work as a narrator was for a documentary called ‘Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies’. Herrmann was also a well-known vintage car enthusiast, who hosted the television show ‘Automobiles’ on the History channel.

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Family & Personal Life

Edward Herrmann was born on July 21, 1943, in Washington D.C. His father John Anthony Herrmann was an engineer in the automotive and rail industry, and his mother Jean Eleanor Herrmann was a homemaker. He was brought up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He graduated from the ‘Bucknell University’ in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in 1965. After developing a passion for the 17th century British literature and poetry, he joined the ‘London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts’ on a Fullbright Scholarship.

Herrmann married his longtime girlfriend and screenwriter Leigh Curran in 1978, but they got divorced in 1992. Two years later, in 1994, he married Star Roman, remaining with her until his death in 2014. The couple had two daughters; Ryen and Emma, and a stepson called Rory from Roman's previous relationship. He was an avid collector of military memorabilia and loved to restore vintage automobiles. Herrmann died of brain cancer on December 31, 2014, at ‘Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Hospital’, New York City, New York.

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Facts About Edward Herrmann

In addition to his successful acting career, Herrmann was also an accomplished voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to numerous documentaries and audiobooks.

He had a great passion for history and was known to have an extensive collection of historical books and artifacts.

Herrmann was a talented musician and could play the piano and guitar, showcasing his diverse artistic abilities beyond acting.

Despite his on-screen persona as a serious and dignified actor, Herrmann was known among his colleagues for his quick wit and playful sense of humor, bringing laughter to many sets.

Edward Herrmann Biography

You wanted to know

Where was Edward Herrmann born?

What was Edward Herrmann's most famous role?

What other TV series did Edward Herrmann have a recurring role in?

Did Edward Herrmann ever win an Emmy Award for his performances?