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Anna Nardini is a recurring character on Gilmore Girls, portrayed by Sherilyn Fenn.

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Who portrays the character of Anna Nardini in Gilmore Girls? toggle section
Sherilyn Fenn plays the role of Anna Nardini in Gilmore Girls. She is known as Luke's ex-girlfriend and April Nardini's mother.
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What is the relationship between Anna Nardini and Luke in Gilmore Girls? toggle section
Anna Nardini, portrayed by the Anna Nardini actress, is an ex-girlfriend of Luke from the '90s in the Gilmore Girls series. She was present when Luke's Diner opened. Anna, also known as April's mom in Gilmore Girls, decided to raise their daughter, April, alone, believing Luke was not fond of children. Their relationship, though past, remained amicable.
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How is Anna Nardini's personality similar to Lorelai's in Gilmore Girls? toggle section
Anna Nardini, April's mom in Gilmore Girls, shares a few traits with Lorelai. They have similar musical and fashion preferences and are both extremely protective of their daughters. Anna and Luke, who is April's father, had a relationship in the early '90s.
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Who is April Nardini's mother in Gilmore Girls? toggle section
In the TV show Gilmore Girls, April Nardini's mother is Anna Nardini. Anna had a past relationship with Luke Danes, April's father. April found out about her parentage through a DNA test involving three men.
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What changes does Anna Nardini's character undergo in Gilmore Girls? toggle section
Sherilyn Fenn plays Anna Nardini in Gilmore Girls, introduced as Luke Danes' ex-girlfriend and April Nardini's mother. She operates a small shop in Woodbridge and is known for her strong protective instincts towards her daughter. Anna's character evolves notably in relation to Luke, whom she initially describes as anti-kid, reflecting a significant shift as Luke becomes more engaged in their daughter's life.
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Character[]

Anna is the mother of April Nardini, Luke's biological daughter. She is quite similar to Lorelai, in her musical and fashion tastes. Anna and Lorelai also share the quality of being fiercely protective over their daughters. She and Luke dated for a period in the early '90s, Anna describing Luke as anti-kid at the time they were together.[1]

The character changes drastically from a protective single mother who is on okay terms with her ex-boyfriend, to being completely anti Luke being a part of April's life or having any rights as a parent. This is due to the original creators leaving the series after Season 6.

Story[]

At first, she is agreeable to Luke being involved in April's life, but did not want Lorelai to have any part of April's life. Anna felt that because she was only Luke's fiancee, not something more "permanent," such as Luke's wife, that the relationship was too unstable and was afraid April would be hurt if they broke up.

Season 7[]

Anna tried to cut Luke out of April's life when she wanted to take April with her to move to New Mexico to take care of her sick mother. Luke reluctantly went to a lawyer, Jim, because he wanted to obtain partial custody of April. Jim represented Luke in a custody lawsuit against Anna; although Luke got discouraged when he was told that in this kind of legal battle, the mother usually wins.

For the trial, Luke asked Lorelai to write a character reference letter for him, which ended up being what helped Luke win partial custody. The letter, also started the break up process between Lorelai and Christopher, and served as a confirmation of Lorelai's deep history and connection to Luke (which will gradually draw them close again). Anna did move to New Mexico with April, but April still visits Luke in Connecticut on her school vacations, and shares phone calls and updates with her father. Anna doesn't make any appearances on the show after the court date for the custody battle.

Trivia[]

Backstage[]

  • Amy Sherman-Palladino cast Fenn in the role despite Fenn's previous appearance in the 2003 spin-off Windward Circle, which ultimately was not picked up to series. Sherman-Palladino stated that she loves Fenn as an actor and wanted her on the show if it was possible regardless of continuity.

Episodes[]

SEASON 6 (4/22)
11. The Perfect Dress
12. Just Like Gwen and Gavin
17. I'm OK, You're OK
20. Super Cool Party People
SEASON 7 (4/22)
04. 'S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous
09. Knit, People, Knit
10. Merry Fisticuffs
12. To Whom It May Concern

Notes and references[]