Actor Carel Struycken on Losing His ‘Twin Peaks’ Memorabilia in Altadena Fire and David Lynch’s First Words to Him: ‘Everything is Going to Be Peachy Keen’

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Carel Struycken, known for his roles in “Twin Peaks” and “The Addams Family”, along with his wife Tracey, resided in their Altadena, CA home for over a dozen years, never needing to evacuate, despite some close fire-related incidents. Typically, when fires ignite in the surrounding hillside covered with brush, they get an early warning and can collect their possessions. However, the Eaton fire, one of several recent Southern California wildfires, was unusual.

In an instant, the wind became a forceful and unpredictable gust, sweeping through everywhere at once,” I explained to EbMaster. “Hence, our hasty departure. I’d meticulously prepared for potential fires, with my valuable photo gear neatly stowed in cases ready for a grab-and-go situation. But this event unfolded so swiftly that all those preparations went out the window.

Since Struycken and his wife suffered the loss of their home, all that remains is a bear-resistant bin for trash collection, which surprisingly survived the destruction. Since then, Struycken’s son-in-law, Michael Anspach, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to aid the actor and photographer in completely rebuilding their lives. So far, over $75,000 has been donated towards the $90,000 target.

Struycken and his wife lost their home, but the trash bin survived the damage. Since then, Struycken’s son-in-law started a GoFundMe to help rebuild their lives. Over $75,000 has been raised out of the needed $90,000.

Struycken expressed awe at the numerous individuals who rallied to assist us, even going as far as doctors traveling to stay with us for several days, he noted. Furthermore, he acknowledged the assistance from his fellow “Twin Peaks” cast members such as Michael Horse, offering emotional support, and Adele Jones, who helped acquire tall-sized apparel for Struycken after he lost everything in the fires due to his condition of acromegaly.

After the Los Angeles fires, Jones shared on Instagram: “Unfortunately, his house was destroyed along with all his clothes in the fire. His son’s wedding is coming up in March, but he has no suitable attire and there’s not enough time left for custom orders…He’s accustomed to having everything tailored.” Later, she mentioned that he had received a generous amount of clothing following his appeal.

Not too long after fires erupted, it was David Lynch – famed for co-creating “Twin Peaks” with Mark Frost and directing movies like “Blue Velvet” with its dreamlike quality – who passed away following his evacuation from his Hollywood Hills residence. Struycken, the actor who portrayed the giant in “Twin Peaks” and reappeared in that role for 2017’s “Twin Peaks: The Return,” reminisces about their first encounter with this innovative movie director.

I didn’t cross paths with [David] before the start of filming as he handled the casting himself. On my first day on set, he stood up from his director’s chair, approached me, shook my hand, and reassured me by saying, ‘Everything will go smoothly.’

On the final day of filming Season 2, Struycken remembers that the network suddenly decided to halt production, requesting changes to Lynch’s script. “It seemed to me, I’m not sure if it’s entirely accurate, that the entire episode was improvised spontaneously.

Despite not being able to recover any unique “Twin Peaks” memorabilia or costumes that Struycken had amassed over the years, he has found solace in the wave of support from fellow fans. Screening events showcasing David Lynch’s work remain packed in Los Angeles.

Struycken explains that they are simultaneously airing Episode 8 of ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ and hosting a charity event in his honor. The event, coordinated by Cathode Cinema and the Philosophical Research Society, has been fully booked for this Thursday.

Regarding “Twin Peaks: The Return,” Struycken shared that receiving the offer was a “large, delightful shock.” Before agreeing, he didn’t have a script from Lynch, so he had no clue about his role. On set, he was given torn strips of paper with handwritten lines that he needed to memorize and recite backwards instantly – another cherished moment during his portrayal of the character.

In the process of Los Angeles’ gradual rebuilding and paying tribute to Lynch’s enduring influence on cinema, Struycken and his spouse are presently residing in a rental home in Long Beach. He eagerly anticipates his son-in-law’s wedding in March, hoping that the funds raised through GoFundMe will enable the towering actor to purchase a new suit for the special event.

It turned out that after a couple of weeks, the insurance situation is finally progressing, including appointments and cleanup processes. Regarding assistance from others, I must say, it’s been truly heartwarming,” he expresses.

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2025-01-31 01:18