Saying farewell to Edward Herrmann, who played one of TV’s best grandfathers on ‘Gilmore Girls’

Today brought one more bit of sad news for 2014: Edward Herrmann, beloved for his role as Richard Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls,” died at 71. He’d been receiving treatment for brain cancer, per the LA Times. Though he’s best known to a younger audience for his role as the Gilmore patriarch, Herrmann had a long and storied career, winning an Emmy for a guest starring role on “The Practice”, appearing in “Overboard” with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, and playing FDR in “Eleanor and Franklin” in the ’70s. But for a generation of people who grew up with the beloved WB dramedy, he represented a certain kind of upright, traditional but well-meaning elder, who often acted as the voice of reason to his strong-willed wife, played by Kelly Bishop. Earlier today, his onscreen daughter, Lauren Grahm, tweeted out “My friend Ed Herrmann was the kindest, classiest, most talented man. It was an honor and a joy to know him, a devastating blow to lose him.” For everyone who will miss him as much as we will, here are a few Richard moments from the show.