‘Twin Peaks’ star put Eastern WA on the map. Now he’s written a memoir
On Feb. 24, 1989, Agent Dale Cooper arrived in Twin Peaks, Washington, to investigate a murder.
Actor Kyle MacLachlan starred as the quirky FBI agent in the acclaimed TV show “Twin Peaks” and its sequels, earning a Golden Globe Award and other honors.
MacLachlan’s ties to Washington state don’t start and end with the fictional town of Twin Peaks.
Born and raised in Eastern Washington, he has preserved his ties to the Evergreen State’s east side throughout his career.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, MacLachlan celebrated Twin Peaks Day by announcing an upcoming memoir, “Fictional Selves.”
Here’s what to know:
Where is TV show ‘Twin Peaks’ set?
While “Twin Peaks” was primarily filmed in the Snoqualmie Valley, the show takes place in northeast Washington, not the northwest part of the state.
MacLachlan’s character describes “entering the town of Twin Peaks” in his opening narration in the show’s pilot episode. “It’s five miles south of the Canadian border, 12 miles west of the state line.”
Several other references in “Twin Peaks” place its fictional setting not far from Spokane.
The first two seasons of “Twin Peaks” aired on ABC between April 8, 1990, and June 10, 1991.
Director David Lynch followed up the show with a movie, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” in 1992, with MacLachlan acting alongside rock star David Bowie.
The “Twin Peaks” saga was then put on hold for 25 years.
“Twin Peaks: The Return,” which functioned as the third season of the show, aired on Showtime from May to September 2017, with MacLachlan reprising his popular role as Agent Dale Cooper.
Over the years, “Twin Peaks” has garnered a cult following.
When is Twin Peaks Day?
Twin Peaks Day, observed by fans and former cast members alike, is celebrated on Feb. 24 in honor of the day MacLachlan’s character came to the fictional town.
Even the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend mark the occasion, releasing official proclamations each year since 2018.
Dubbing the Snoqualmie Valley the “Real Twin Peaks,” the North Bend Downtown Foundation and Historic Downtown Snoqualmie Merchant Association put on a multi-day celebration each year with events inspired by the series.
MacLachlan has attended some of those events in previous years.
In 2026, Twin Peaks Day festivities included viewing parties, trivia, a dance party and a panel with “Twin Peaks” writer and producer Harley Peyton.
Who is Kyle MacLachlan?
Although Lynch’s 1984 movie “Dune” launched MacLachlan’s career, “Twin Peaks” firmly established him as a star.
His other film and television credits include “Blue Velvet,” “Portlandia” and “Fallout.”
The actor told People that his new memoir, “Fictional Selves” will discuss his 40-plus career in the entertainment industry — running the gamut from his start in the Seattle theater scene to his blockbuster roles and relationships with prominent Hollywood names.
The memoir, which is being released by Crown Publishing, will hit shelves on Oct. 6.
‘Twin Peaks’ actor grew up in Eastern Washington
The “Twin Peaks” star grew up in Yakima and is one of the most notable celebrities to hail from the city. He graduated from Eisenhower High School, one of only two major high schools in the city.
He went on to study drama at the University of Washington in Seattle, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1982.
Despite his success in Hollywood, MacLachlan has never left Washington behind. While he no longer lives in the Evergreen State, he returns often for speaking engagements and other events.
MacLachlan also has a wine company right here in Eastern Washington.
Where is Kyle MacLachlan’s wine company based?
Pursued By Bear partners with vineyards across the Columbia Valley American viticultural area to produce “robust and fruit-forward, yet food-friendly” wines including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and rosé, according to its website.
The company has a tasting room in downtown Walla Walla.
The company’s name and mascot reference an “absurd” stage direction in William Shakespeare’s play “The Winter’s Tale” — “Exit, pursued by a bear” — while paying tribute to MacLachlan’s days acting at the Ashland Shakespeare Festival in Oregon, according to the wine company website.
Alongside winemaker Daniel Wampfler, MacLachlan pays homage to his roots by working with growers in the Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley and Horse Heaven Hills.
“(MacLachlan) loves the landscape of his Washington home, and he longed to create something lasting and meaningful that would honor this special place,” the Pursued by Bear website said.
As of Thursday, Feb. 26, available Pursued By Bear wines ranged in price from $30 to $75 a bottle.
As a Twin Peaks Day exclusive, Pursued By Bear offered two limited-time wine sets with a collective Bookhouse Boys iron-on patch, a reference to the TV show.
The Coop’s Pick set featured Pursued by Bear’s 2021 Baby Bear Syrah and 2022 Bear Cub Red, while the company’s Iconic Duo set included the 2024 Bear Cub Chardonnay and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Like Coop and Truman, each brings something essential — a white of clarity and a red of depth,” the official description for the Iconic Duo set read.
This story was originally published February 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "‘Twin Peaks’ star put Eastern WA on the map. Now he’s written a memoir."