Kyle MacLachlan Says ‘I Owe My Entire Career’ and Life to ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘Twin Peaks’ Director David Lynch: ‘The Most Authentically Alive Person I’d Ever Met’

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Kyle MacLachlan recently honored the late, innovative movie director, David Lynch, famous for “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive,” and “Twin Peaks”, as he passed away at 78 years old.

Forty-two years ago, David Lynch selected me from obscurity to act in his initial and only high-budget film, leaving me bewildered as to why. Yet, he perceived a quality within me that I myself was unaware of. My entire career and life, truly, are a testament to his foresight,” MacLachlan wrote on Instagram Thursday. “To me, Lynch was an enigmatic and intuitive individual with a vast creative sea inside him. He was connected to something the rest of us yearn for.

He went on saying, “Our friendship grew during ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘Twin Peaks,’ and I can honestly say that I’ve never met anyone more genuinely alive than David. He was a man deeply connected with the universe and his creativity in a way that seemed to embody the highest potential of humanity. David didn’t seek answers because he recognized that questions are what propel us to become who we are. They are our life force. Although the world has lost a brilliant artist, I’ve lost a cherished friend who envisioned my future and opened doors to realms I could never have dreamed of on my own.

At the conclusion of his homage to Lynch, MacLachlan penned: “I’ll miss him beyond what words can express and heart can endure. My life was enriched by knowing him, and now feels more hollow since he’s departed. David, you left an indelible mark on me, and I will always be your Kale. Thank you for everything.

On Thursday, Lynch’s family shared a message about his passing on his official Facebook page. The statement expressed that there is a profound emptiness now that he’s gone, but echoed his words, “Focus on the donut, not the hole.” The message concluded with a description of the day being bright and clear with golden sunlight and blue skies stretching far.

In 2024, it was disclosed that Lynch had developed emphysema due to a lifelong smoking habit, and as a result, he may no longer be able to go outside to continue directing.

Many well-known figures from Hollywood have shared heartfelt tributes for Lynch, with renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg among them.

Steven Spielberg expressed his admiration for David Lynch’s movies, stating that ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Mulholland Drive,’ and ‘The Elephant Man’ showcased him as a unique, imaginative filmmaker with an artisanal touch. He had the opportunity to work with David when he portrayed John Ford in ‘The Fabelmans.’ It was awe-inspiring to see one of my role models playing another, making it feel like a dream sequence from one of David’s movies. The loss of such a distinctive and innovative voice will be deeply felt. His films have proven their longevity and will continue to do so.

David Lynch imbued his distinctive, dreamlike aesthetic into iconic series “Twin Peaks” and films like “Blue Velvet” (1986), “Wild at Heart” (1990) and “Inland Empire” (2006). He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director three times – for “The Elephant Man” (1980), “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive” (2001) – and was also recognized for Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Elephant Man.” In 2019, he was honored with the Academy Honorary Award for his impact on cinema.

Read MacLachlan’s full tribute to Lynch below:

Approximately four decades back, it’s a mystery I still can’t fully fathom why David Lynch selected me from obscurity to lead his sole high-budget film. There was undoubtedly something within me that he perceived, even I myself remained unaware of. My entire acting career, in essence, my life, is a testament to his foresight.

I noticed that he was a mysterious, yet insightful individual who seemed to have a wealth of creativity within him, much like an untapped sea. He appeared to be connected to something that many of us aspire to connect with ourselves.

In those moments watching ‘Blue Velvet’ and later ‘Twin Peaks’, our friendship took root, and I’ve never encountered anyone more genuinely vibrant than him.

David appeared deeply connected with the cosmos and his creative mind, almost embodying the ideal form of humanity. Instead of seeking solutions, he embraced questions as they are what truly define us – they are our life force, our essence.

Though the world mourns the loss of an extraordinary creative spirit, I grieve over the loss of a cherished companion who envisioned a future for me and guided me through realms that I would not have dared to explore on my own.

I currently visualize him approaching me in his yard, beaming with a friendly grin as he opens his arms wide for a hearty embrace. His deep, resonant voice reminiscent of the Great Plains echoes through our conversation about coffee, the delight found in the unforeseen, and the captivating wonders of the universe. Our shared laughter fills the air.

Their affection for one another, stemming from a celestial alignment, grew as they recognized the finest aspects of themselves reflected in the other.

His absence leaves a void in my life that no words can fully express, and my heart aches beyond description. The richness of my existence was greatly enhanced by his presence; now it feels significantly diminished without him.

David, I remain forever changed, and forever your Kale. Thank you for everything.

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2025-01-17 00:51