Kelly Bishop

Photo of Kelly Bishop

Biography

A "gypsy" (chorus dancer) from her teen years, she is best recalled by theatergoers for her Tony-winning performance as Sheila, the aging, sarcastic hoofer, in the original Broadway company of "A Chorus Line" (1975). In films, Bishop may be remembered as Jill Clayburgh's best friend and confidante in "An Unmarried Woman" (1978) and as the mother of Jennifer Grey in "Dirty Dancing" (1987).

Born Carole Bishop, a name she used professionally …

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Job Title

Actor

Born

February 28, 1944

Career Milestones

Played regular role of Grace on the CBS drama serial "As the World Turns"

Played the leading role of Ouisa Kittredge in the Braodway production of "Six Degrees of Separation"; originally understudied Stockard Channing

1962

Billed as Carole Bishop, made stage debut in corps de ballet of Radio City Music Hall

1968

Broadway debut in "Golden Rainbow"

1975

Won acclaim as the tart-tongued, aging hoofer Sheila in original production of "A Chorus Line"; changed billing from Carole Bishop to Kelly Bishop during the early run of the show

1977

Co-starred in the short-lived TV series, "A Year at the Top" (CBS)

1978

Feature acting debut, "An Unmarried Woman"

1987

Played mother to Jennifer Grey in "Dirty Dancing"

1988

Portrayed Ginger Thorn in the short-lived ABC sitcom "The Thorns"

1989

Had recurring role on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live"

1992

Played mother to Miles Silverberg (Grant Shaud) in memorable episode of "Murphy Brown" (CBS)

1993

Had supporting role in the film version of "Six Degrees of Separation"

1995

Co-starred as the mistress of Paul Mazursky's Vic Marcus in "Miami Rhapsody"

1995

Was regular on series "My Wildest Dreams" (Fox)

1996

Cast as a doctor on the ABC soap "One Life to Live"

1996

Had featured role of Grace in the revival of "Bus Stop", starring Mary-Louise Parker and Billy Crudup

1997

Played mother to Howard Stern in "Private Parts"

1997

Returned to Broadway in the short-lived Neil Simon play "Proposals"

1998

Replaced Carole Shelley (who in turn had replaced Dana Ivey) in the Tony-winning play "The Last Night of Ballyhoo"

2000

Had regular role as the mother and grandmother of the titular "Gilmore Girls" (The WB)