Kyle MacLachlan is a celebrated American actor known for his collaborations with David Lynch, most notably as Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, as well as key roles in Dune, Blue Velvet, and major TV comedies.
Early Life & Education
Kyle Merritt MacLachlan was born on February 22, 1959, in Yakima, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1982, training in the Professional Actor Training Program. Initially credited as “MacLachlan,” he reverted to the Scottish spelling of his surname as an adult.
Kyle MacLachlan’s Career
Kyle MacLachlan’s career spans iconic collaborations, genre versatility, and consistent screen presence. He made his film debut in David Lynch’s Dune (1984) as Paul Atreides, launching a pivotal creative partnership, followed by his acclaimed role as Jeffrey Beaumont in Blue Velvet (1986).
MacLachlan broke through as Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks (1990–1991), reprising the role in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) and the 2017 revival—earning a Golden Globe Award and two Primetime Emmy nominations for his performance.
Across genres, he played roles such as Lloyd in The Hidden (1987), Ray Manzarek in The Doors (1991), Cliff Vandercave in The Flintstones (1994), Zack Carey in Showgirls (1995), and he lent his voice as Riley’s father in Pixar’s Inside Out (2015, 2024).
On TV, he portrayed Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City (2000–2002), Orson Hodge in Desperate Housewives (2006–2012), and “The Captain” in How I Met Your Mother (2010–2014). From 2011 to 2018, he appeared as the mayor in Portlandia and took roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Atlantic Crossing.
In the 2020s, MacLachlan portrayed Thomas Edison (opposite Ethan Hawke’s Tesla) and Franklin D. Roosevelt in Atlantic Crossing. He also guest-starred on Futurama, continued his voice role in Inside Out 2, and co-hosts the Varnamtown podcast.
Personal Life
Kyle MacLachlan has been married to television producer and PR executive Desiree Gruber since April 20, 2002; their relationship began in 1999. Together, they have one son, Callum Lyon MacLachlan, born in July 2008. He previously dated Linda Evangelista (1992–1998).
Net Worth
Kyle MacLachlan’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. His enduring roles in iconic TV series (Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, and Portlandia), major films, and voice acting likely reflect a stable and substantial career income.
