ABOUT THE SERIES: The American Cinematheque is ecstatic to welcome the illustrious film, television, stage, and voice actor Kyle MacLachlan for an in-person tribute that highlights three disparate films which exemplify the performer’s sheer versatility and unparalleled charm. Over the span of four decades, MacLachlan has acquired the status of a cult icon as a result of the unforgettable roles he fully embodies through his instinctual, layered performances that burgeoning generations continue to discover and revere. For the twelfth annual Beyond Fest, the actor will be joining us for a Q&A accompanying a program of his first three films, consisting of a 40th anniversary screening of his debut in David Lynch’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic masterwork of science fiction DUNE, the psychosexual fever dream BLUE VELVET, and Jack Sholder’s ruthless buddy cop sci-fi classic THE HIDDEN. Kyle MacLachlan made his first film appearance as an extra in Peter Medak’s 1980 supernatural horror THE CHANGELING, which was partially shot at the University of Washington where the actor was studying drama and subsequently earned $10 for the role. While performing at a theater in Seattle, MacLachlan was scouted by a casting agent for the original filmic adaptation of DUNE. The actor and virtuoso filmmaker David Lynch immediately developed a rapport with each other, especially over their Pacific Northwest upbringings, and their life-changing artistic partnership was then established. MacLachlan’s portrayal of Paul Atreides lended the epic an air of gravitas and fulfilled the Herculean task of breathing a vivid life into one of the most influential characters in the history of science fiction. Following their work together on DUNE, Lynch casted the young actor in the 1986 surrealistic, perverse masterpiece BLUE VELVET as the lead Jeffrey Beaumont. MacLachlan’s Beaumont acts as a grounding force to the nightmarish backdrop of delirious horrors that unfold during the two hour runtime. His subtle execution of a man internally conflicted over yearning to be morally conscientious versus giving in to one’s repressed base desires, coupled with the equally timeless performances of his co-stars, and the haunting images conjured by Lynch and cinematographer Frederick Elmes, all perfectly amalgamated to produce a landmark cinematic achievement. MacLachlan’s role as the elusive FBI Agent Lloyd Gallagher in the 1987 film THE HIDDEN heralded his monumental casting as FBI Agent Dale Cooper in TWIN PEAKS three years later. One may view Gallagher as the spiritual precursor to Cooper with a similar offbeat energy, trademark mannerisms, and endearing quirkiness tethering the two together in oneiric procedural environs. His role as Agent Cooper garnered a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 1991, a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film in 2017 for the multiple roles he manifested in TWIN PEAKS: THE RETURN, and two Emmys nominations. Furthermore, audiences may recognize the performer in films like Oliver Stone’s THE DOORS, Brian Levant’s live action THE FLINTSTONES, Paul Verhoeven’s SHOWGIRLS, and most recently Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut BLINK TWICE. MacLachlan has graced television screens with roles in SEX AND THE CITY, LAW & ORDER: SVU, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, PORTLANDIA, and FALLOUT. As a stage performer, he has acted in John Kolvenbach’s ON AN AVERAGE DAY opposite Woody Harrelson on the West End and Harold Pinter’s THE CARETAKER with Patrick Stewart on Broadway. He has lended his voice on animated works like Pixar’s INSIDE OUT, AMERICAN DAD, and FUTURAMA, as well as video games including Grand Theft Auto III. Simply put, Kyle MacLachlan has proven his vast artistic range in a number of influential epochal works throughout the years. We invite you to join us as we traverse the nascent career of this damn fine actor.