Actor Yanic Truesdale on fan encounters and his new series Étoile
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What’s it like being a Gilmore Girls legend?
Yanic Truesdale, the guy who brought Michel Gerard to life for seven seasons, doesn’t shy away from the spotlight.
At 55, he chatted with PEOPLE at the Étoile premiere in New York, dishing on how fans spot him everywhere and strike up conversations.
It’s wild—40 times a day, he says, with people even waiting outside his hotel.
But hey, he rolls with it because that role still hits home for folks 25 years on.
How does he handle all that fan love?
He doesn’t mind the interruptions one bit; in fact, he embraces them.
“It’s great,” Truesdale told PEOPLE, noting how rare it is for a character to stick with people for so long.
Think about it: Michel, the sassy concierge at the Stars Hollow Inn, became a fan favorite alongside Lorelai and Sookie.
Sure, it’s a lot, but Truesdale figures, “I’m Michel, and that’s okay.”
That kind of connection keeps him going, turning everyday walks into mini-celebrations.
What sparked his U.S. career anyway?
Before Gilmore Girls, this Canadian actor stuck mostly to French productions, but Amy Sherman-Palladino changed the game.
She and her husband Dan gave him that breakthrough, crafting dialogue that’s lightning-fast and unforgettable.
Truesdale calls it a full-circle moment working with them again on Étoile—a love letter to dance and art.
It’s rewarding, he says, with an ease that comes from shared history; just a look between them says it all.
What’s the buzz around his new show?
Étoile flips the script on ballet drama, following two struggling companies swapping dancers to spark some excitement.
Truesdale plays Raphael in this fresh series, premiering April 24 on Prime Video.
He raves about Sherman-Palladino’s vision, saying her style is baked into his DNA by now.
No overthinking the rapid-fire lines; it’s just second nature after all those years.
How tight is he with his old castmates?
Even after the show wrapped, Truesdale stays in touch with Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy weekly, grabbing meals with Kelly Bishop when he’s in town.
They’ve built real friendships that go beyond the set.
It’s a reminder that good bonds last, much like the show’s quirky charm that fans can’t quit.
Why does this story matter today?
In a world where fame fades fast, Truesdale’s journey shows how one role can redefine a life.
From Stars Hollow’s hustle to Étoile’s stage, he’s proving that passion and people keep things alive.
Catch the premiere and see for yourself how he’s turned nostalgia into new beginnings.