Twin Peaks actors Lenny Von Dohlen dies at 63 years old. He died Tuesday (July 5th) in his home in Los Angeles after a longtime illness, according to his manager Steven J. Wolfe.
He was born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Goliad, Texas. His initial dream was to be a jockey, but he grew too tall as he became over six feet tall. He majored in drama at the University of Texas, where he went on into the world of theater. In New York, he performed in Asian Shade, The Team, Twister, Vanishing Act, and The Maestro. His best-known stage works were starring in Caryl Churchill’s play Cloud 9, directed by Tommy Tune, and Desire Under the Elms with Kathy Baker.
The switch to film came with Lenny Von Dohlen starring in Tender Mercies with Robert Duvall. Other notable roles he made were Under the Biltmore Clock, Blind Vision, Jennifer 8, Ed Zwick’s Leaving Normal, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, along with the original series. He had hits with comedy like Home Alone III. On the indie side, he starred in Tollbooth, Bird of Prey, Entertaining Angels, Frontline, Cadillac, One Good Turn, and Beautiful Loser.
Twin Peaks Star Lenny Von Dohlen Dies at 63
Lenny Von Dohlen became best known for his role as Harold Smith in the original Twin Peaks series. It was a hit during its run from 1990-91, with over 15 Emmy nominations and two wins. Showtime revived the series with original showrunners Mark Frost and David Lynch, which was a huge hit and was nominated for nine Emmys.
Sallywood was wrapped before Lenny Von Dohlen died, making it his final production. He stars in the comedy with Sally Kirkland and Keith Carradine. The film is now in post-production.
Lenny Von Dohlen is survived by his partner James Still, his mother, Gay Von Dohlen, siblings Mary Gay, Catherine, and John David, as well as his daughter, Hazel.
