**Kyle MacLachlan Reflects on His Eccentric Career in ‘Fictional Selves’**
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Renowned actor Kyle MacLachlan, known for his roles in iconic productions like ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Blue Velvet,’ has recently released a memoir titled ‘Fictional Selves.’ In this candid account, the 67-year-old reflects on his unconventional career and the myriad of characters he has portrayed over the years.
MacLachlan, whose early career was punctuated by unexpected twists, notably turned down several leading roles that would later become significant in Hollywood history. Among those he declined were parts in acclaimed films such as ‘Platoon’ and ‘Sex, Lies and Videotape.’ He even recognised that he would not be the right fit for the role of Maverick’s wingman in ‘Top Gun.’

Despite these missed opportunities, MacLachlan’s journey took off when he was chosen for the lead in the original ‘Dune’ at the young age of 24. At the time, he was earning a modest salary of £150 a week as a local theatre actor in Seattle. “I was plucked out of complete obscurity,” he shared while reminiscing about how director David Lynch and producer Dino De Laurentiis ultimately opted for him over Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer. His transition from theatre to film was both exhilarating and daunting as he found himself performing intense battle scenes amidst the red dust of the Mexican desert.
Regrettably, ‘Dune’ did not achieve commercial success, with critics like Roger Ebert famously declaring it “the worst film of the year.” However, in hindsight, MacLachlan views that failure as a catalyst for personal growth. “’Dune’s failure is the best thing that could have happened to me,” he states in ‘Fictional Selves.’ He believes it led him down a more intriguing path, filled with unexpected roles and opportunities throughout his subsequent 40-year career.
After ‘Dune,’ MacLachlan took a darker turn with Lynch’s ‘Blue Velvet.’ He played the character of a college student who uncovers a shocking underworld of violence and depravity. Reflecting on this phase, he remarked that exploring the darker sides of life was a fascinating experience. Initially, ‘Blue Velvet’ baffled audiences, but it eventually gained a cult following. Interestingly, he noted that agents were often uncertain about how to classify him after this role.
During the filming of ‘Blue Velvet,’ MacLachlan developed a romantic relationship with co-star Laura Dern. The chemistry between the two was initially tested over a meal at their director’s favourite diner. However, despite the romance, MacLachlan grappled with feelings of inadequacy as he navigated the Hollywood scene filled with successful peers while he felt burdened by the shadow of ‘Dune’s’ failure.
This feeling of not quite fitting in persisted, especially after declining roles in films that heavily shaped the era, including ‘Platoon’ and ‘Top Gun.’ In fact, MacLachlan remembers meeting with director Oliver Stone for ‘Platoon’ but opted out upon realising he needed a successful project after ‘Dune.’
Another significant moment in MacLachlan’s career came with his role as the hapless Trey MacDougal on ‘Sex and the City’. He recalls being initially excited about portraying an affluent surgeon until he learned about his character’s struggles with impotence and an overly close relationship with his mother. This role, while comically absurd, brought him a newfound connection to audiences, who would often offer encouragement to him while he was in the streets of Manhattan.
The bond that MacLachlan shares with director David Lynch stands as one of the most meaningful relationships in his life. In his memoir, he articulates the void left by Lynch’s passing, recalling the cherished moments they spent together reminiscing over coffee in their Los Angeles neighbourhood. “I know he believed in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself,” he reflects, demonstrating the profound impact Lynch had on his career and personal development.
Through ‘Fictional Selves’, which is set to be published on 29th September, MacLachlan invites readers to traverse the unpredictable landscape of his unusual career. The memoir not only chronicles the actor’s experiences but also showcases his resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry. Pre-orders for ‘Fictional Selves’ are available at all major bookstores, promising fans a glimpse into the extraordinary journey of one of Hollywood’s most distinctive talents.
