Award-winning actor Kyle MacLachlan has opened up about the complexities surrounding his character Dr. Trey MacDougal from the iconic HBO series “Sex and the City”. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, MacLachlan shared insights into the challenges he faced while portraying Charlotte York’s first husband, a role he took on in the show’s third season, which aired in 2000.
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Describing his entry into the series, MacLachlan recalled the appeal of playing a character that fit his desired persona: “I said, ‘Okay, Upper East Side surgeon, doctor. WASP-y. This is totally in my wheelhouse. This could be cool.’” He reflected on the initial characterisation, drawing inspiration from figures like John F. Kennedy to infuse a charismatic energy into Trey.
However, the role came with its fair share of complications. Trey was not only depicted as a successful surgeon but also grappled with impotence issues and a particularly close relationship with his mother, played by Frances Sternhagen. This dynamic added depth and conflict to the character, leading MacLachlan to acknowledge the weight of the role: “It was a challenging character because he comes with so much baggage. You have to play that, as well as find the humanity and the reality,” he explained, noting that each script brought an unpredictable twist.
Among the notable storylines was the much-discussed cardboard baby incident, which MacLachlan mentioned as a peculiar moment in Trey’s narrative arc. He admitted to working diligently behind the scenes, attempting to make the character more relatable without compromising the humour that permeated the series. “I’m constantly trying to adjust it to fit the scene into something that I can make real, make work,” he explained, emphasising the collaborative nature of his relationship with co-star Kristin Davis, with whom he shared a compelling on-screen dynamic.
Outside the show, MacLachlan noted the warm reception he received from fans during his time in New York City. “They obviously saw me do something embarrassing and they’re like, ‘Oh, are you okay?’ They shout encouragement, which from a perspective now is very funny,” he laughed, recognising that the series resonated deeply within the lives of the city’s residents, who felt a personal connection to the show.
Central to his success on “Sex and the City” was the unwavering support of his wife, Desiree Gruber, whom he met in 1999 and married in 2002. It was Gruber who encouraged MacLachlan to take on the role of Trey, recognising its potential impact. “I was sort of debating, and Desiree was like, ‘This would be really good.’ She recognised that,” he said, praising her instinct and judgement throughout their relationship.
MacLachlan’s reflections on “Sex and the City” come as he prepares for the release of his memoir, titled “Fictional Selves”, which is set to be published on September 29. The book looks back not only at his time on the beloved series but also at his extensive career, which has included cult classics such as “Twin Peaks”, “Dune”, and “Blue Velvet”.
For fans eager to learn more about MacLachlan’s journey and the evolution of his character, “Fictional Selves” can be pre-ordered from various retailers, promising an exploration of the actor’s diverse roles and the fictional personas he has embodied throughout his career.
As the excitement builds for the memoir’s release, MacLachlan’s candid reflections on his time in “Sex and the City” provide a window into the fascinating balance actors must navigate between character quirks and audience connection, all while bringing stories to life on screen.