It seems like even TV stars aren’t safe from peak mom moments; and we can definitely relate. Arielle Kebbel is looking back at her early days on “Gilmore Girls,” and one memory in particular still has her cringing (in the best way).
While chatting about her new movie “I Can Only Imagine 2” (with fellow “Gilmore Girls” co-star Milo Ventimiglia), the actress opened up about how her mom unintentionally stole the spotlight during one very big milestone on set (US Weekly). And yep… secondhand embarrassment levels are high.
A Wedding Dress Moment
Fans will remember Kebbel as Lindsay Lister, starting in Season 3, the sweet small-town girl who married Dean Forrester; a storyline that definitely stirred up feelings across the fandom.
But behind the scenes? It was a major personal moment for the young actress.
“[Dean and Lindsay] were a very new relationship. I also think we were 18 in the show. I remember my mom was with me on set because I’d just moved out [to L.A.], and I put on the wedding dress and she cried. And I was like, ‘Mom, you gotta stop!’”
Honestly, that tracks. Imagine you’ve just moved to Los Angeles, landed a role on a hit WB show, and you’re stepping into a full-on TV wedding dress. Of course Mom is emotional. Of course she’s tearing up. And of course teenage-you is internally screaming.
It’s giving proud parent energy mixed with maximum daughter mortification.
The First Kiss Confession That Had Her Spiraling
If you thought the dress moment was peak cringe, buckle up. Because Kebbel revealed her mom took things one step further… straight into classic embarrassing-parent territory.
My mom “told Jared it was my first onscreen kiss, and I was mortified. He loved it, but then it was really sweet. It was so quick, and I remember I was nervous, but Jared just made it easy and fun. Like just another day of filming.”
Yep, she told him. For the record, Dean was played by Jared Padalecki, who (thankfully) handled the moment like a total pro. Instead of making it awkward, he helped calm Kebbel’s nerves and kept things light on set.
Still, you can practically feel the teenage horror through the screen.
Let’s be real: nothing humbles you faster than your mom casually sharing your business at work.
GettyFrom Fandom Heat to Justice for Lindsay
While the behind-the-scenes moments were sweet, Kebbel also acknowledged the very real fan backlash her character faced back in the day.
“People hated me. It’s only recently that people have said, ‘Justice for Lindsay,’ and I’m like, ‘Yes!’”
And honestly? The fandom shift has been fascinating to watch. Especially because, back then, the love triangle drama had viewers firmly planted in their camps.
“It was very much Lindsay and Dean, Jess and Rory, what’s gonna happen? Hashtag Team Jess.”
These days, though, it seems like more fans are revisiting Lindsay’s story with fresh eyes; and a lot more sympathy.
GettyAnd through it all, Arielle Kebbel is clearly able to laugh at the memories, especially the very relatable mom moments that made her early Hollywood experience even more memorable.
Because sure, landing a role on a beloved series is huge. But surviving your mom embarrassing you on set? Now that’s a true coming-of-age story.
Missed all the Season 3 drama? “Gilmore Girls” is airing reruns on Hallmark, and you can stream both “Gilmore Girls” and “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” on Netflix.
