Milo Ventimiglia was taken by surprise when he discovered his former “Gilmore Girls” co-stars, Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry, had reunited for a Panera advertisement without his knowledge. The advert, showcasing Panera’s fall soup menu, saw Padalecki and Czuchry, who portrayed Dean and Logan in the series respectively, coming together. Ventimiglia, known for his role as Jess Mariano on the show, expressed his astonishment at being left out, saying, “I’ve got a newborn daughter, I live under a rock. I had no idea,” in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
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Despite not being a part of the commercial, the “This Is Us” star was pleased to hear about the reunion of his former colleagues. Ventimiglia, 48, expressed his excitement, stating, “That’s awesome.” In the humorous ad campaign, Padalecki and Czuchry connected traits of Panera’s fall soups to the personality traits of Rory’s three love interests. The Fireside Chili was deemed the “reliable one that tastes like home,” reminiscent of Padalecki’s character. The Autumn Squash Soup was labelled as a “more sophisticated” choice, mirroring Czuchry’s character, while the Black Bean Soup represented Ventimiglia’s “brooding, mysterious” character.
Ventimiglia reacted with amusement upon learning that his character was referenced in the advertisement, remarking, “I’ll have to look it up. Those guys are both so lovely, such lovely dudes. I miss them. I definitely do miss them.” The actor shared his sentiment that the enduring popularity of “Gilmore Girls” was special, especially in inspiring young girls to pursue education and empowerment. He praised the creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino for crafting a series that continues to captivate and educate audiences.
In another interview, Matt Czuchry, who played Logan in “Gilmore Girls,” reflected on the enduring affection fans have shown for the show over the years. He highlighted the impact of the series on viewers, noting the continued appreciation from both original and new audiences. Czuchry mentioned instances of fans naming their children after characters or getting tattoos inspired by the show, underscoring the show’s lasting influence. “Gilmore Girls” remains available for streaming on Netflix.
As the beloved TV series celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Ventimiglia and Czuchry’s conversations shed light on the lasting impact the show has had on its audience. Ventimiglia, currently involved in the upcoming film “I Can Only Imagine 2,” praised the show for its ability to resonate with viewers of different generations. With its unique blend of wit, charm, and relatable characters, “Gilmore Girls” continues to be a fan favorite, standing the test of time in the world of television entertainment.
In conclusion, the unexpected reunion of Padalecki and Czuchry for the Panera campaign stirred nostalgia among fans of “Gilmore Girls.” While Ventimiglia may have missed out on this particular collaboration, the enduring legacy of the show remains a testament to its enduring charm and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. As fans reminisce about their favorite characters and storylines, the spirit of “Gilmore Girls” lives on, resonating with viewers new and old alike.