Yanic Truesdale on being Michel forever: fan encounters, Gilmore Girls’ enduring appeal, and his new project Étoile with Amy Sherman-Palladino.
Ever wondered what it’s like to be forever tied to a TV character adored by millions? For Yanic Truesdale, who breathed life into the impeccably sarcastic Michel Gerard on Gilmore Girls, it’s not just a fleeting memory—it’s his everyday reality. And here’s the kicker: he’s totally fine with it.
Years after the original series signed off, Truesdale still finds himself shadowed by Michel’s legacy—and he’s not complaining. “I’m stopped constantly,” he says with a chuckle, a hint of mock disbelief in his voice. “It’s like, how do they even know where I am?” Whether he’s sipping a latte or checking into a hotel, fans materialize, eager to reminisce about Stars Hollow’s prickliest yet most lovable concierge.
The 2016 Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, only cemented Michel’s status as a pop culture icon. Truesdale slipped back into the role with the same dry wit and effortless charm that won hearts the first time around, proving some characters don’t just fade—they endure.
But don’t think Truesdale is stuck in a Stars Hollow time loop. He’s teamed up once again with Gilmore Girls mastermind Amy Sherman-Palladino for her latest project, Étoile. The series, which made its debut at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, feels like a homecoming for the actor. “Amy gave me my start here,” he reflects, a note of gratitude in his tone. “It’s only fitting that we’re working together again.”
Collaborating with Sherman-Palladino is like stepping into a familiar dance—effortless and intuitive. “There’s an understanding,” Truesdale explains. “We don’t need many words—just a look, and we get it.” It’s the kind of creative shorthand built from years of trust and shared history.
Even with Étoile on the horizon, Michel’s presence looms large—and Truesdale wouldn’t have it any other way. The fandom’s unwavering love for Gilmore Girls is something he holds dear. “You don’t get many roles that resonate like this,” he says.
“It’s special.” That connection spans generations, with new viewers still stumbling into Stars Hollow and falling hard for its quirks. “It’s amazing to think that people are still discovering Gilmore Girls and falling in love with it,” he adds. “And to know that Michel is a part of that—it’s humbling.”
So, if you catch Yanic Truesdale out in the wild, don’t be shy. Say hi. Chances are, he’s already clocked you coming. “I’m Michel, and it’s okay,” he says with a warm smile. Because some roles? They’re just too good to ever let go.
Source PEOPLE
