Cover to Cover: Kyle MacLachlan’s ‘Fictional Selves’ explores the man in the black suit

Cover to Cover: Kyle MacLachlan’s ‘Fictional Selves’ explores the man in the black suit Cover to Cover: Kyle MacLachlan’s ‘Fictional Selves’ explores the man in the black suit Illustration by Olivia Ma Kyle MacLachlan’s “Fictional Selves” was published Sept. 10. Camila Mendez, Reporter October 15, 2026 You might know him as the quirky, coffee-loving Special Agent Dale Cooper in “Twin Peaks,” or the voyeuristic Jeffrey Beaumont in “Blue Velvet.” Maybe it’s from Paul Atreides in “Dune” (1984) and even Trey MacDougal, the first husband of Charlotte York in “Sex and the City.” But, as he explains in his new memoir, Kyle MacLachlan is more than just his “fictional selves.” Much like his characters, MacLachlan’s book is funny, charming, heartbreaking and — at times — a little weird. He writes about pursuing stardom and finding the distinction of where his on-screen self ends and his real self begins.  The memoir begins by recollecting his time on set filming “Dune” (1984), after being plucked out of the Seattle Theater scene by director David Lynch and thrown into the blockbuster lifestyle under the hot Mexican sun. He describes sand being thrown in his face, spitting up red dirt and losing 15 pounds, all for the movie to flop at the box office, leaving him without a job, and with his reputation in the ground.  While the film failed, MacLachlan’s relationship with Lynch thrived. His description of Lynch is a highlight of the book. Lynch speaks solely in all caps and refers to MacLachlan as “KALE.” But if you’ve ever heard Lynch, or better yet, his character Gordon Cole on “Twin Peaks” speak, you’d understand why. Case in point, his favorite catchphrase is “THAT WAS ACES.”   MacLachlan’s friendship with Lynch brings him to the set of “Blue Velvet” (1986), playing Jeffrey Beaumont. The movie, with its heavy and explicit scenes, confusing plotline and all-around “Lynchian” aesthetic, shocks the world. Despite it being one of his favorite projects, MacLachlan told his agent he can’t play any similar characters, not if he has “eyes on becoming a leading man.”   “Twin Peaks,” another Lynch project, finally throws MacLachlan into stardom as FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. The show is later referenced on “Sesame Street,” parodied on “Saturday Night Live” and beloved by fans worldwide. However, in the second season, MacLachlan describes disagreements with directors, writers and the network itself, ultimately leading him away from the project.  But his newfound fame came with a price: If the world knows him as Cooper, who is he without the show?  “Right after ‘Twin Peaks,’ I feel hollow, insubstantial, even.” MacLachlan writes. “If I’m not Cooper anymore, who am I?”  He calls this process “getting out of the black suit.”  As MacLachlan moves through the acting industry, readers come to understand the difficulties of playing a character. While most of us exist as just ourselves, MacLachlan finds himself constantly split between Atreides, Cooper, Beaumont, MacDougal and other characters.  Ultimately, his fictional selves come together to represent the different parts of him. Though once a hindrance, MacLachlan concludes that “they’ve been absorbed and still exist inside me. I am now the culmination of all of them.”  “Fictional Selves” is a comedic, unique take on the Hollywood industry and the art of being onscreen. As a big Lynch fan, I found it a welcome look into the minds of both him and MacLachlan, as well as the behind the scenes of some of the most well-regarded — and most strange — projects of our generation.  Overall, I would give the book Agent Cooper’s Thumbs Up.  Email: [email protected]  Related Stories: — Cover to Cover: ‘The French Illusion’ left me disillusioned  — Cover to Cover: ‘Seek the Traitor’s Son’ is unburdened by expectation  — Cover to Cover: ‘Ghost Town’ promises a haunt but doesn’t quite deliver  0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Tags: David Lynch. Kyle MacLachlan Sex and the City Twin Peaks More to Discover More in Arts and Entertainment Cover to Cover: ‘Hollywood, Ending’ offers a witty, compassionate critique of the entertainment industry Liner Notes: Remi Wolf explores excitement of being lost in the ‘Mud’ in third album Reel Thoughts: The new ‘Carrie’ is more than a recycled story Reel Thoughts: ‘Animals’ bites off more than it can chew Grove Gallery’s ‘Got Rhythm?’ exhibit brings music to life on canvas Reel Thoughts: ‘Other Mommy’ is just another cliche horror film