3 VIW Who Guest Starred on TV

In March we celebrate influential women in history, recognizing their contributions to the world. The more we see these women, the more their accomplishments become known and inspire. A cameo on a primetime television show is a great way to expose viewers to the possibilities of real life success.

Here are three Very Important Women (VIW) who guest starred in some of my favorite series.

Madeleine Albright

Tea Leoni and Madeleine Albright in ‘Madam Secretary’

Serving as the first female Secretary of State, and highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at the time of her appointment in 1996, Albright faced many challenges during her tenure. Known for her intelligence and diplomacy skills, she continues to advise Presidents and works with a variety of corporate and philanthropic organizations. Recently, Albright appeared in an episode of Madam Secretary, the CBS series that starts Tea Leoni as, you guessed it, the Secretary of State. In the scene, Albright plays herself, giving advice to Leoni’s character on how to handle a newly-appointed rival. That reminded me of another appearance I re-watched recently: in the season 6 episode of Gilmore Girls when Rory turns 21 (aptly titled, “Twenty-One”), Albright appears in a dream sequence recreating a scene from season 1 in which she takes Lorelai’s place as the clock marks the exact minute Rory was born. It’s a weird scene, but weirdly appropriate to have Albright standing in for Lorelai.

Christiane Amanpour

Christiane Amanpour guests on ‘Gilmore Girls’ with Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel

A renowned international correspondent, Amanpour served as Rory Gilmore’s professional role model from the very beginning of Gilmore Girls. Rory’s ambition and confidence were shaken after an awful experience with a supposed mentor in season 5, but after she regained both, and reunited with her mother, she finally got to meet her idol. In the next to last episode of Gilmore Girls‘ final season (pre-Netflix), Christiane Amanpour made a brief stop at the Dragonfly Inn, prompting Lorelai to drag her daughter out of bed and introduce her to the legendary journalist. Alas, in Lorelai’s haste to make Rory’s dream come true, she presented her daughter in her pajamas. But, like the pro she is, Amanpour didn’t even blink and graciously accepted Rory’s fangirling before giving her a little advice as she set out to pursue her career.

Maya Angelou as Nyo Boto and Cicely Tyson, holding the baby, as Binta, in the landmark miniseries ‘Roots.’

Maya Angelou

One of the most influential and well-known poets of the 20th century, Angelou passed away in May 2014, leaving behind an amazing and diverse legacy. Her work extended far beyond her poems and autobiographies, to include plays, films, cookbooks, children’s books, spoken-word recordings and more. On television, she lent her voice to an episode of HBO’s fairy tale series, Happily Ever After, and guest starred in 1995 episode of Touched by an Angel. But perhaps her most famous television appearance is in the miniseries Roots. Angelou co-starred in the dual role of Nyo Boto and Yaisa, for which she received an Emmy nomination.

Which VIW’s do you remember appearing on your television screen?