“Gilmore Girls”' Arielle Kebbel Says Her Character's Redemption Among Fans Was a 'Surprise' After Being 'Hated' for Years

Arielle Kebbel reflects on her first acting role as Lindsay Lister in Gilmore Girls and fans’ initial dislike of her

NEED TO KNOW

• The character Lindsay, who married Rory Gilmore’s ex Dean, has gained online support with the “Justice for Lindsay” movement

• Kebbel says the renewed appreciation for Lindsay is a pleasant surprise and brings her joy as the show finds new audiences

Arielle Kebbel always knew thatGilmore Girlsfans didn’t particularly care for her character.

In an interview withStylecaster,the 41-year-old actress reflected on playing Lindsay Lister, the girl who dated and later married Rory Gilmore’s ex-boyfriend Dean Forester, played byJared Padalecki.

“I have such a love for her. She brought me into… I mean, she was my first acting job in L.A. ever," Kebbel said. "And I also understood why fans hated her in the beginning, so I never — I was all good with all of it."

TheJohn Tucker Must Dieactress joined the series as Dean's love interest in 2003, leading fans who hoped to see Dean and Rory together unhappy. However, Dean later cheated on Lindsay with Rory, and, as the years have gone on, more people have been vocal about their support for her character, with "Justice for Lindsay" gaining traction online.

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Kebbel said the way it’s “come full circle now” is the “most pleasant surprise," since she "was kind of at peace with the whole thing.”

“I’m flattered. I mean, the whole Justice for Lindsay thing, it warms my heart and brings me so much joy because wherever Lindsay is out there, it makes me smile and wink at her. I’m like, see? People see you now, girl. Good for you,” Kebbel shared.

The series, which ran from 2000 to 2007, followed the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore, played byLauren Graham, and Rory, played byAlexis Bledel, and was packed with romances, dramatic turns and sarcastic jokes and references.

The show also starredMilo VentimigliaandMatt Czuchryas Rory’s main love interests, andScott Patterson,Melissa McCarthy, Edward Herrmann and Kelly Bishop as supporting cast members.

All episodes ofGilmore Girlsare available to stream on Netflix.

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