Milo Ventimiglia is set to return to the world of Stars Hollow. The actor has confirmed that he will appear in an upcoming HBO Max documentary about Gilmore Girls, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, although he has not yet recorded his contribution.
Ventimiglia said he has great affection for Sherman-Palladino and Lauren Graham, but does not know what topics will be covered. Looking back at the series, he said he is more likely to remember the experience of working on set than individual episodes or storylines.
The actor played Jess Mariano, Rory Gilmore’s troubled sometime-boyfriend, beginning in the show’s second season. He later reprised the role for Netflix’s 2016 revival. Ventimiglia recalled working with Alexis Bledel and Jared Padalecki, as well as small details from filming, including insisting that a prop bag should be made heavy enough to look convincing on camera.
Ventimiglia also discussed his new Netflix Christmas film, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, which is based on a book by W. Bruce Cameron and co-stars Dennis Quaid. He said his interest in the project came partly from working with Quaid and director Cathryn Michon, as well as the film’s focus on dogs. The movie begins streaming on Netflix on November 4.
The actor spoke warmly about life with his wife, Jarah Mariano, and their two young children. He said their excitement when discovering something for the first time is among the best parts of parenthood, adding that the quiet moments when they sleep are also welcome.
Ventimiglia also provided an update on the family’s recovery after losing their home in the 2025 Los Angeles fires. He said the children do not understand what happened and that he and Mariano are now settled in a new home near family and friends. He described the aftermath as an emotional and complicated process, with the family still handling practical matters related to the loss.
Reflecting on the experience, Ventimiglia said that objects he remembered after the fires were often connected to personal memories. Although those possessions were gone, he said the memories remained. He described perseverance as one of the main lessons he took from the situation and said his family is now focused on moving forward together.
When asked about speaking publicly on political issues affecting Los Angeles, Ventimiglia said parenthood had made him consider the possible impact on his family. He added that people can contribute to their communities and support causes without necessarily becoming the public face of them.
Sources: Us Weekly.