Twin Peaks Cast List

Reference
Updated March 30, 2024 33 items

Twin Peaks, the television series brought to fans by David Lynch and Mark Frost, has charmed audiences with its surreal atmosphere, quirky characters, and intricate plotlines since first hitting screens in 1990. This show weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and horror to form an enigmatic world that keeps viewers hooked. The success of Twin Peaks can be largely credited to its actors who breathed life into the inhabitants of this peculiar town. 

It is through the performances of cast members that the show’s signature roles are brought to life. The Twin Peaks actors  portray characters that range from lovable to sinister. 

Among the standout Twin Peaks cast members are Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper, Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne, and Lara Flynn Boyle as Donna Hayward. MacLachlan's portrayal of the enigmatic FBI agent investigating Laura Palmer's murder has become legendary among TV enthusiasts. Likewise, Fenn's performance as the seductive Audrey adds depth to her character’s many layers. Flynn Boyle's role as Donna brings sincerity and heart to this classic series. 

When examining this cast list, It becomes evident that Twin Peaks' appeal stems not only from its  storytelling but also from its ensemble cast whose performances truly make this world come alive. Without a dedicated group of actors bringing their best to every scene, the lasting impact of Twin Peaks would not be as profound as it is today. 

  • Al Strobel is an American actor best known for his recurring role on Twin Peaks as MIKE.
  • Catherine Elizabeth Coulson (October 22, 1943 – September 28, 2015) was an American stage and screen actress who worked behind the scenes on various studio features, magazine shows and independent films as well as acting in theater and film since the age of 15. She is best known for her role as Margaret Lanterman, the enigmatic Log Lady, in the David Lynch TV series Twin Peaks.
  • Chris Mulkey
    Twin Peaks, Beauty and the Beast, Bakersfield P.D.
    Chris Mulkey (born May 3, 1948) is an American film and television actor.
  • Carel Struycken (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈkaːrəl ˈstrœy̯kə(n)]; born 30 July 1948) is a Dutch film, television, and stage actor. He is best known for playing the Giant/Fireman in Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017), Mr. Homn in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1992), and Lurch in the films The Addams Family (1991), Addams Family Values (1993), Addams Family Reunion (1998), and Gerald's Game (2017).
  • Dana Ashbrook
    Twin Peaks, Crash, The Kill Point
    Dana Vernon Ashbrook (born May 24, 1967) is an American actor, best known for playing Bobby Briggs on the cult TV series Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017) and its 1992 prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.
  • Eric DaRe
    Twin Peaks, NieA_7
    Eric Da Re (born March 3, 1965) is an American actor who played the notorious criminal Leo Johnson on the TV show Twin Peaks and its prequel film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. He has worked behind the scenes in several other films by Twin Peaks creator David Lynch. He is the son of the actor Aldo Da Re (stage name Aldo Ray) and the casting director Johanna Ray, a frequent Lynch collaborator.
  • Everett McGill

    Everett McGill

    Twin Peaks, Against the Odds
    Everett McGill (born Charles Everett McGill III, October 21, 1945) is an American actor, who first rose to prominence for his portrayal of a caveman in Quest for Fire (1981). He went on to have prominent roles in films like Dune (1984), Silver Bullet (1985), Heartbreak Ridge (1986), Licence to Kill (1989), The People Under the Stairs (1991) and Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995).On television he appeared as "Big" Ed Hurley in Twin Peaks (1990–1991). He retired from acting in 1999, but returned in the Twin Peaks 2017 revival.
  • Frank Silva
    Twin Peaks
    Frank A. Silva (October 31, 1950 – September 13, 1995) was an American set dresser and sometime actor best known for his performance as the evil spirit Killer BOB in the TV series Twin Peaks.Silva had a degree in lighting design from San Francisco State University and worked as a prop master and set decorator on several films including David Lynch's Dune and Wild at Heart.Silva worked on Lynch’s Twin Peaks. According to David Lynch on the 2007 Gold Edition DVD release of Twin Peaks, Lynch was upstairs in the Laura Palmer house, near Silva as he worked, and suddenly realized that Silva might have a place in the show. He asked Silva if he was an actor, and Silva said that he was. Later, Lynch accidentally caught him on camera when his reflection appeared in a mirror, and thus was born the character of Killer BOB, a dark spirit who haunts Laura. Silva appeared occasionally as BOB for the remainder of the Twin Peaks series and in the 1992 movie Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. His first major appearance was in the International Version of the Twin Peaks pilot, which contained a standalone ending that resolved the mystery of the series and incorporated the accidental footage. Silva appears in the Anthrax video "Only".Frank Silva died of complications from AIDS on September 13, 1995, aged 44. The second episode of the revived Twin Peaks was dedicated to Silva.
  • Grace Zabriskie
    Twin Peaks, Big Love, Children of the Dust
    Grace Zabriskie (born Grace Caplinger; May 17, 1941) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Sarah Palmer in Twin Peaks (1990–1991; 2017) and its film prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), Lois Henrickson in Big Love, as well as in cult films such as two of David Lynch's films: Juana Durango in Wild at Heart (1990) and Visitor #1 in Inland Empire (2006). Other film roles include Nickel Mountain (1984), Child's Play 2 (1990), and The Grudge (2004). She is also known for her recurring roles in Seinfeld and Charmed.
  • Heather Graham
    Twin Peaks, Scrubs, Portlandia
    Heather Graham, an accomplished and prolific American actress, has built a career spanning over three decades in Hollywood. Born on January 29, 1970, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was drawn to the performing arts from a young age. However, her path to stardom was far from straightforward; she faced countless hurdles, including early rejections and a conservative upbringing. Despite these challenges, Graham's determination to pursue her passion eventually led her to land her breakthrough role in Gus Van Sant's critically acclaimed film Drugstore Cowboy in 1989. Graham's portrayal of a drug-addicted drifter in Drugstore Cowboy catapulted her into the limelight, but it was her role as Rollergirl in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights which solidified her status as a versatile actress. Over the years, she has demonstrated her acting prowess in a wide range of genres, from comedy-drama films like Bowfinger and The Hangover to horror flicks such as From Hell. Notably, she has also explored television, earning critical acclaim for her performances in shows like Twin Peaks and Californication. Aside from her acting career, Heather Graham is also known for her activism. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights in the film industry, often speaking out about the gender inequality prevalent in Hollywood. In 2018, she made her directorial debut with the film Half Magic, a comedy that explores themes of female empowerment and sexual liberation.
  • David Duchovny
    The X-Files, Californication, Aquarius
    David Duchovny has carved a significant niche for himself in the realm of entertainment. Born on August 7, 1960, in New York City, Duchovny's artistic journey is marked by an impressive blend of acting, writing, directing, and even music. He graduated from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree in English literature, before earning his master's degree in the same field from Yale University. Though he began his doctoral studies at Yale, the allure of acting proved too strong, leading to Duchovny's shift towards a career in Hollywood. Duchovny's breakthrough arrived in the form of FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder on the long-running TV series The X-Files. Premiering in 1993, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning Duchovny international recognition and accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards. Though he is best known for this role, Duchovny's acting portfolio extends beyond the paranormal. He portrayed the troubled writer Hank Moody in the Showtime comedy-drama Californication, a performance that earned him another Golden Globe Award, further cementing his status as a compelling and dynamic actor. In addition to acting, Duchovny has demonstrated his prowess behind the camera, directing several episodes of both The X-Files and Californication. His creative spirit also extends into the literary world, having penned several novels, including Holy Cow: A Modern-Day Dairy Tale and Bucky F*cking Dent. Not one to be boxed into a single creative outlet, Duchovny ventured into music, releasing his debut album Hell or Highwater in 2015. The multi-talented artist continues to explore various avenues of expression, leaving an impact on each medium he touches.
  • Jack Nance
    Twin Peaks
    Marvin John Nance (December 21, 1943 – December 30, 1996) was an American actor of stage and screen.He was known for his work with director David Lynch, particularly for his starring roles in Eraserhead (1977) and Twin Peaks (1990–1991).
  • James Marshall
    Twin Peaks
    James David Greenblatt (born January 2, 1967), best known as James Marshall, is an American actor, known for playing the character James Hurley in the cult television series Twin Peaks (1990–1991), its 1992 prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, and its 2017 revival, and for his role as Private Louden Downey in A Few Good Men (1992).
  • Joan Chen
    Twin Peaks
    Joan Chen (born April 26, 1961) is a Chinese American actress, film director, screenwriter, and film producer. In China she performed in the 1979 film Little Flower ("小花") and came to the attention of western audiences for her performance in the 1987 film The Last Emperor. She is also known for her roles in Twin Peaks, Red Rose, White Rose, Saving Face, and The Home Song Stories, and for directing the feature film Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.
  • Kenneth Welsh
    Twin Peaks, Dieppe, The Trojan Horse
    Kenneth Welsh, is a Canadian film and television actor (sometimes credited as Ken Welsh). He is known as the multi-faceted villain, Windom Earle, in Twin Peaks and played the father of Katharine Hepburn as portrayed by Cate Blanchett in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator. He lives outside of Toronto.
  • Kimmy Robertson
    Twin Peaks, Pepper Ann, Gravedale High
    Kimmy Robertson (born November 27, 1954) is an American actress best known for her role as Lucy Moran in the TV series Twin Peaks.
  • Kyle MacLachlan
    Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives
    Kyle Merritt MacLachlan (; born February 22, 1959) is an American actor. MacLachlan is best known for his role as Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks (1990–1991; 2017) and its film prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), as well as roles in two of David Lynch's films: Paul Atreides in Dune (1984) and Jeffrey Beaumont in Blue Velvet (1986). MacLachlan's other film roles include Lloyd Gallagher in The Hidden (1987), Ray Manzarek in The Doors (1991), Cliff Vandercave in The Flintstones (1994), Zack Carey in Showgirls (1995), and the voice of Riley's father in Inside Out (2015). He has had prominent roles in television shows including appearing as Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City (2000–2002), Orson Hodge in Desperate Housewives (2006–2012), The Captain in How I Met Your Mother (2010–2014), the Mayor of Portland in Portlandia (2011–2018) and Calvin Zabo in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2014–2015). MacLachlan has won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama (1990), and was nominated in the same category in 2017, for playing the role of Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks. He has also been nominated for two Emmy Awards for Twin Peaks.
  • Lara Flynn Boyle
    Twin Peaks, The Practice, Las Vegas
    Lara Flynn Boyle, an accomplished American actress, is best known for her performances in both film and television that span over three decades. Born on March 24, 1970, in Davenport, Iowa, she grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she nurtured her passion for acting from a young age. Her commitment to her craft led her to the prestigious Chicago Academy for the Arts, where she honed her skills and prepared for a career in the entertainment industry. Boyle's breakthrough role came in 1990 when she was cast as Donna Hayward in David Lynch's critically acclaimed television series, Twin Peaks. Her performance in this cult classic garnered her widespread recognition and paved the way for further opportunities in both film and television. She went on to star in several notable films including Men in Black II, The Temp, and Threesome. However, it was her role as Assistant District Attorney Helen Gamble in the television legal drama The Practice that earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. Despite the fame and success she enjoyed, Boyle's career was not without its share of challenges. The actress faced public scrutiny due to her changing appearance and personal life, which included high-profile relationships with fellow actors Jack Nicholson and Kyle MacLachlan. Nevertheless, Boyle remained focused on her craft, consistently delivering performances that showcased her range and depth as an actress.
  • Mädchen Amick
    Twin Peaks, Witches of East End, Fantasy Island
    Mädchen Amick ( MAYD-chən AY-mik; born December 12, 1970) is an American actress. She is best known for her starring role as Shelly Johnson on the cult television series Twin Peaks (1990–1991), its prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) and its revival television series Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). She was also a series regular on Central Park West (1995–1996), Freddie (2005–2006), and Witches of East End (2013–2014). On the big screen she had starring roles in Sleepwalkers (1992) and Dream Lover (1993).She was also playing a minor role on the hit show Gossip Girl. She currently portrays Alice Cooper, the mother of Betty Cooper, on The CW's drama television series Riverdale (2017–present).
  • Michael Ontkean
    Twin Peaks, The Rookies, The Stepford Husbands
    Michael Leonard Ontkean (born January 24, 1946) is a retired Canadian actor. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ontkean relocated to the United States to attend the University of New Hampshire on a hockey scholarship before pursuing a career in acting in the early 1970s. He initially came to prominence portraying Officer Willie Gillis on the crime drama series The Rookies from 1972–74, followed by lead roles in the hockey sports comedy film Slap Shot (1977) and the romantic comedy Willie & Phil (1980). In 1982, he had a starring role opposite Harry Hamlin and Kate Jackson in the drama Making Love, in which he portrayed a married man who comes to terms with his homosexuality. Ontkean continued to appear in films, such as Clara's Heart (1988) and Postcards from the Edge (1990) before being cast as Sheriff Harry S. Truman on David Lynch's Twin Peaks (1990–1991).
  • Peggy Lipton
    Twin Peaks, The Mod Squad, Angel Falls
    Margaret Ann "Peggy" Lipton (August 31, 1946 – May 11, 2019) was an American actress, model, and singer. She was well known through her role as flower child Julie Barnes in the counterculture television series The Mod Squad (1968–1973), for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama in 1970. Her five-decade television, film, and stage career included many roles, including Norma Jennings in David Lynch's Twin Peaks.
  • Piper Laurie
    Twin Peaks, St. Elsewhere, Partners
    Piper Laurie (born Rosetta Jacobs; January 22, 1932 – October 14, 2023) was an American actress. She is known for her roles in the films The Hustler (1961), Carrie (1976), and Children of a Lesser God (1986), and the miniseries The Thorn Birds (1983).
  • Ray Wise
    Twin Peaks, Reaper, Love of Life
    Raymond Herbert Wise (born August 20, 1947) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Alec Holland in Swamp Thing (1982), Leon C. Nash in RoboCop (1987), Leland Palmer in Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017) and its prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), Jack Taggart Sr. in Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003), Don Hollenbeck in Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), Vice President Hal Gardner in 24 (2006), and The Devil in Reaper (2007–2009). He currently stars as Marvin on Fresh Off the Boat (2015–present).
  • Richard Beymer
    Twin Peaks, Paper Dolls
    George Richard Beymer, Jr. (born February 20, 1938) is an American actor, filmmaker and artist who is best known for playing the roles of Tony in the film version of West Side Story (1961), Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and Ben Horne on the television series Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017).
  • Russ Tamblyn
    Twin Peaks
    Russell Irving Tamblyn (born December 30, 1934) is an American film and television actor and dancer. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Tamblyn was trained as a gymnast in his youth. He began his career as a child actor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Tamblyn appeared in the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). He subsequently portrayed Norman Page in the drama Peyton Place (1957), for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This led to Tamblyn being cast in leading roles, such as in the crime film High School Confidential (1958), and in the title role of Tom Thumb (1958). Tamblyn's gymnastic and acrobatic talents were showcased in several other musicals, including West Side Story (1961), in which he portrayed Riff, the leader of the Jets gang. The success of West Side Story led to additional leading roles, including parts in the horror film The Haunting (1963), directed by Robert Wise, and the Japanese science fiction film The War of the Gargantuas (1966). Throughout the 1970s, Tamblyn appeared in several exploitation films and worked as a choreographer in the 1980s. In 1990, he starred as Dr. Lawrence Jacoby in David Lynch's television drama Twin Peaks, reprising the role during its 2017 revival.
  • Sherilyn Fenn
    Twin Peaks, Rude Awakening, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
    Sherilyn Fenn, a prominent figure in the world of television and film, has made a significant mark on the industry through her extensive and diverse career. Born on February 1, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, she developed an unwavering passion for acting at an early age. Her breakthrough role came in 1990, when she was selected to portray Audrey Horne in David Lynch’s cult classic television series, Twin Peaks. The role skyrocketed her into fame, garnering her an Emmy nomination and solidifying her as one of Hollywood's most captivating talents. Fenn's versatility as an actor is evident through her wide range of roles in both film and television. After her success in Twin Peaks, she graced the big screen with memorable performances in films like Of Mice and Men (1992) and Boxing Helena (1993). She demonstrated a knack for embodying complex characters, displaying emotional depth and nuanced performances that set her apart from her contemporaries. Fenn's career further expanded in the mid-90s, as she took on more daring roles in independent cinema, proving her ability to transcend genre boundaries and cementing her reputation as a versatile actor. Beyond her work in film and television, Sherilyn Fenn has also made considerable contributions to literature, penning a children's book titled No Man's Land, which was published in 2013. This venture into writing showcases another facet of Fenn's creativity, exhibiting her ability to weave compelling narratives outside the realm of acting. Throughout her career, Fenn has consistently showcased her talent and adaptability, marking her as a dynamic force in the entertainment industry.
  • Lenny Von Dohlen (December 22, 1958 – July 5, 2022) was an American television, film, and stage actor. With a 40-year career that primarily featured work in independent films and guest appearances on numerous prominent series, he was probably best known for his performance as architect Miles Harding in the film Electric Dreams (1984), the title role as a steelworker's son opposite Karl Malden in Billy Galvin (1986), and as the orchid-loving agoraphobe Harold Smith in the television series Twin Peaks and its prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
  • Sheryl Lee
    Twin Peaks, Dirty Sexy Money, L.A. Doctors
    Sheryl Lynn Lee (born April 22, 1967) is an American film, stage, and television actress. After studying acting in college, Lee relocated to Seattle, Washington to work in theater, where she was cast by David Lynch as Laura Palmer and Maddy Ferguson on the 1990 cult TV series Twin Peaks and in the 1992 film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. After completing Twin Peaks, she returned to theater, appearing in the title role of Salome on Broadway opposite Al Pacino. Her film roles include as Astrid Kirchherr in Backbeat (1994), as well as a lead role in the drama Mother Night (1996), the role of Katrina in John Carpenter's Vampires (1998) and the part of April in Winter's Bone (2010). She has had recurring roles on such television series as One Tree Hill (2005–2006) and Dirty Sexy Money (2007–2009). She reprised her role of Laura Palmer in the Showtime revival of Twin Peaks (2017).
  • Warren Frost
    Twin Peaks
    Warren Frost (June 5, 1925 – February 17, 2017) was an American actor. His work was mainly in theater, but he worked in films and television sporadically from 1958. He is known for television roles on Matlock, and Seinfeld, and particularly as Doctor Hayward on Twin Peaks, a series co-created by his son Mark Frost. He has also appeared in TV movies, such as Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) and The Stand (1994).
  • Wendy Robie
    Twin Peaks
    Wendy Robie (born October 6, 1953) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Nadine Hurley in David Lynch's television series Twin Peaks (1990-1991) and the prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992). She subsequently starred in two of Wes Craven's films: The People Under the Stairs (1991) and Vampire in Brooklyn (1995). In 2017, Robie reprised her role as Nadine in David Lynch's revival series Twin Peaks: The Return.