Kyle MacLachlan Admits He Felt ‘Sheer Horror’ Watching His Infamous “Showgirls” Pool Scene with Elizabeth Berkley

Kyle MacLachlan has recently opened up about his harrowing initial experience viewing his iconic scene from the 1995 film *Showgirls*. In his new memoir, *Fictional Selves*, MacLachlan describes this moment as one of sheer horror, offering a candid reflection on the discrepancies between his expectations during filming and the final product presented on screen.

The actor participated in an event in New York City on 28 September, moderated by fellow actor Ethan Hawke, where he discussed the profound emotions he experienced while watching *Showgirls* for the first time. The event took place at the Symphony Space’s Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, showcasing MacLachlan’s ongoing connection with his work and the entertainment industry’s evolving landscape.

During the discussion, a fan prompted MacLachlan to share instances in which a scene differed dramatically from his initial experience of filming it. Without hesitation, he recalled the pool scene from *Showgirls*, describing it as a particularly dramatic and intimate moment between his character, the sleazy Las Vegas club owner Zack Carey, and Elizabeth Berkley’s character. In his memoir, MacLachlan refers to the intense scene, noting that Berkley appeared to be in distress while he held on “for dear life.”

The moment elicited laughter and cheers from the audience, as Hawke, a long-time friend of MacLachlan, playfully ribbed his co-star about the infamous scene. Hawke, who has worked alongside MacLachlan in several projects, conveyed his amusement at seeing him squirm over what has now become a cult classic.

Hawke recalled the discomfort often felt during initial screenings of films, reminiscing about times he and his agents would sit alone in a dark room watching their work. “But the idea of watching you watch *Showgirls* for the first time—,” he remarked, drawing laughter from the crowd. MacLachlan promptly interjected with, “Sheer horror. Oh my God,” reflecting the complex emotions he grappled with during that first viewing.

In an interview with *People*, MacLachlan elaborated that while he was filming, he thought, “This is edgy.” However, he confessed that upon seeing the scene cut together, he found himself wishing for a way to “stop the bleeding,” indicating that the finished product was far from what he had anticipated.

The memoir offers a detailed account of MacLachlan’s experience with the film. He describes viewing the scene as “genuinely painful, as though my eyes have been taped open like Malcolm McDowell’s in *A Clockwork Orange*.” This vivid metaphor underscores the level of discomfort he felt as he confronted the reality of his performance and the film’s execution.

Both MacLachlan and Hawke acknowledged the risks actors must take in their craft, shedding light on the complexity of choosing roles. Hawke remarked, “I could imagine people saying to you, ‘Why didn’t you turn *Showgirls* down?’ A lot of the best films you do are things everybody tells you to turn down.” He emphasised the necessity of embracing an audacious spirit and diving into the unknown, suggesting that true creativity often lies in taking bold leaps.

MacLachlan concurred, citing a profound quote from Isabella Rossellini, a fellow actor and Lynch collaborator. He recalled her words, “I can describe working with David as: one, two, three — leap into the void,” which resonated with his own experiences in working with visionary directors and tackling unconventional roles.

The insights shared during the event paint a picture of an actor who balances admiration for his craft with the realities of its challenges. *Fictional Selves* invites readers into MacLachlan’s journey, showcasing the moments that have shaped his career and his reflections on the art of performance.

With the memoir now available to the public, fans of MacLachlan and cinema enthusiasts alike can explore the multifaceted experiences that have defined his career. Whether he is diving into intense roles or reminiscing about the trials of his past performances, MacLachlan continues to engage audiences with his unique perspective on acting and storytelling.