Actor Lenny von Dohlen has passed away at the age of 63.
Per Variety, the actor's sister, Catherine Von Dohlen, confirmed the tragic news in a Facebook post shared on Thursday morning.
She wrote: "The world lost a magnificent man on July 5. Brother Len was passionate about everything and everyone. He was always leading; whether it be riveting conversation, an artistic creation or a trip to new places. He loved a good laugh. He continues on his spiritual journey. Living life full in his memory."
Fans will perhaps know Dohlen best for his role as the orchid-loving agoraphobe Harold Smith in the 90s David Lynch series Twin Peaks and its prequel movie Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
However, the actor has also appeared in movies such as Teeth, Electric Dreams, and Frontline. Some fans may know him best as bungling burglar Burton Jernigan in Home Alone 3.
Dohlen in Home Alone 3. Credit: Album / Alamy
On the small screen, Dohlen appears in shows such as The Pretender, Red Dwarf, and CSI: Miami.
Video game fans may also recognize Dohlen's voice, as he provided his vocal talents to the Red Dead Redemption II game.
The official Red Dwarf Twitter page honored Dohlen's work following the news of his passing, writing: "We’re so very sorry to learn of the passing of Lenny von Dohlen, a gifted actor who many will remember as Twin Peaks’ reclusive Harold Smith, who also made an iconic appearance in #RedDwarf V’s Back to Reality. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP."
A Facebook fan page dedicated to Dohlen's work paid tribute to the actor, writing in a post: "He was a kind, gentle soul who was so modest about all he had achieved. He will be greatly missed. He is so very loved. My thoughts are with his family and friends and all of you learning this awful news."
Our thoughts are with Lenny von Dohlen's family, friends, and fans at this time.
Here's everything we know about the death of actor Owain Rhys Davies, best known for his role in Twin Peaks: The Return.
The 44-year-old Welsh star's sudden passing was announced by his brother, Rhodri Davies, in an emotional statement shared on social media.
"It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away," Rhodri wrote. "This news will come as a great shock to many."
While confirming the loss, he explained that the family is still seeking clarity about exactly what happened.
"While there are still questions that remain unanswered regarding the circumstances of his death, our understanding at this stage is that Owain passed suddenly, naturally and peacefully," he added.
Actor Owain Rhys Davies passed away. Credit: Jason LaVeris / Getty Images
Rhodri reflected on the impact his brother had on those around him: "The reach of Owain’s love, friendship and generosity was vast. The outpouring of messages we have received over the past few days has been deeply moving and a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
"Owain was fortunate enough to have more than one family. Alongside his biological one, he built extraordinary, family-like bonds with many of his closest friends, colleagues, and loved ones."
The statement concluded: "I am incredibly proud that, while he was my brother, he was also a brother to so many others... We know that this loss will be felt by a great many people, and we take comfort in knowing how loved he was."
Best known for Twin Peaks role
Davies was perhaps best recognized for playing FBI Agent Wilson in 2017's Twin Peaks: The Return, the acclaimed revival of David Lynch's iconic television series.
He appeared in three episodes of the show and shared scenes with the late filmmaker himself, who portrayed FBI Deputy Director Gordon Cole.
Following news of his death, the fan account @welcometotwinpeaks paid tribute by sharing a photograph of Davies and Lynch together on set.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him," the tribute read. "Thank you for being a part of the world of Twin Peaks, Agent Wilson."
Davies also built a diverse career across television, film, and theatre.
His screen credits included Netflix's The OA, Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass alongside Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, and the 2019 British satirical horror film, A Serial Killer's Guide to Life.
Away from television and film, he appeared in acclaimed West End productions including Mamma Mia!, The Wizard of Oz, By Jeeves, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Royal National Theatre.
Some of Davies' friends and colleagues shared emotional messages following the announcement of his death.
Coronation Street actress Hayley Tamaddon wrote that it was "heartbreaking to hear that my beautiful friend has passed away," per Daily Mail. "Owain was loved by so many. He lit up Every room he went into.
"I have some wonderful memories of us together, we go back so many years.. but our time together in LA will always make me smile," she continued. "Sleep well my love. My heart goes out to his friends, and family Rhodri and Conway."
Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt penned: "No words seem to convey my emotions. I am so sorry for your loss and the grief you must be feeling.
"I am devastated to lose our beautiful friend, he was more than a friend, he was joy and life and talent and kindness and fun and intelligence. He was everything and my brain can't compute that we don't get to hug him again," she said.
The Welsh National Theatre also paid tribute to the Cardiff-born actor, describing him as a major talent whose work left a lasting impact on Welsh culture.
"Owain was a remarkable talent whose work enriched Welsh theatre and screen, and whose contribution to the performing arts will be remembered by audiences, colleagues, and friends alike. His passion, creativity, and dedication to his craft made a lasting impact on the cultural life of Wales," they wrote on Instagram.
"The Welsh performing arts community is poorer for his loss, and we can only imagine the many more stories he would have gone on to tell.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Owain's family, friends, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Cysga'n dawel, Owain," they concluded.
Piper Laurie, star of Twin Peaks and Carrie has passed away at the age of 91.
The silver screen legend, whose career spanned over seven decades, died peacefully early on Saturday in her Los Angeles home.
Her manager, Marion Rosenberg, cited old age as the cause of her death, remembering Laurie as a "superb talent and a wonderful human being," as per BBC News.
Laurie's journey to stardom began in 1949 when she first graced Hollywood's doorstep under her real name of Rosetta Jacobs. Her swift ascent to fame led to a contract with Universal-International, a new name she despised, and a series of leading roles opposite luminaries such as Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis.
Piper Laurie has passed away aged 91. Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty
Throughout her illustrious career, Laurie was bestowed with Oscar nominations for her performances in three films: the 1961 poolroom drama The Hustler, the spine-tingling adaptation of Stephen King's classic Carrie in 1976, and the poignant romantic drama Children Of A Lesser God in 1986.
Her influence extended beyond the silver screen, with acclaimed appearances on television and stage, notably as the villainous Catherine Martell in David Lynch's Twin Peaks during the 1990s.
Laurie's entry into the world of acting occurred at the tender age of 17 when she starred as Ronald Reagan's daughter in Louisa, followed by a memorable collaboration with Francis the talking mule in Francis Goes To The Races.
Her romantic involvement with Tony Curtis resulted in multiple film ventures, including The Prince Who Was A Thief, No Room For The Groom, Son Of Ali Baba, and Johnny Dark.
Laurie had a long career in movies and TV. Credit: Silver Screen Collection/Getty
Despite early success, Laurie grew disillusioned with the industry's repetitive roles and broke her Hollywood contract. She made a courageous move to New York, seeking fresh opportunities and more fulfilling roles.
During her 15-year absence from acting, she wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the civil rights movement and became a prominent voice opposing the Vietnam War. She also embarked on a personal journey, marrying the esteemed film critic Joe Morgenstern and welcoming their daughter.
Laurie's versatility shone not only on the silver screen but also on the television stage. She graced the screens in a slew of popular series, including Matlock, Murder She Wrote, and even portrayed George Clooney's character's mother on ER.
Laurie starred in the horror movie, Carrie. Credit: Silver Screen Collection/Getty
Fans have taken to social media to express their condolences, as one person said: "RIP, Piper Laurie, an actor who consistently outclassed her material, but honoured the craft above all else and never demanded what she was worth."
A second person added: "Farewell Piper Laurie. Gave us the gift of the definitive Margaret White in the horror masterpiece that is Carrie."
Our thoughts are with Laurie's loved ones and fans during this difficult time.
David Lynch has sadly passed away at the age of 78.
David Lynch has passed away at the age of 76. Credit: Michael Tran / Getty
The groundbreaking writer-director is perhaps best known for his works Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks -- all of which helped to redefine American cinema and television.
Lynch’s death was confirmed via a statement posted to his Facebook page, which read: "It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.
"We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ … It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."
In 2024, Lynch disclosed that he was suffering from emphysema, a condition stemming from his years of smoking, The Hollywood Reporter reports. He shared that his illness had made it impossible for him to leave home, expressing concern about the risks posed by Covid.
Early Life and Entry into Film
David Keith Lynch was born on January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana.
Lynch's work could never be mistaken for anybody else's. Credit: William karel/Sygma via Getty Image
His father, Donald, was a research scientist, and his mother, Edwina, worked as an English teacher. The family’s frequent relocations across the United States — from Montana to Idaho, Washington, and Virginia — shaped Lynch’s perspective on small-town life, a recurring theme in his later work.
Lynch’s journey into the arts began with painting, before moving to Los Angeles in 1971 to study filmmaking at the AFI’s Conservatory for Advanced Film Studies, where he would create short films.
His 1977 feature debut, Eraserhead - which took him years to create - became a cult classic on the midnight movie circuit, showcasing his singular, unsettling style.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Lynch broke into mainstream Hollywood with The Elephant Man (1980), a deeply moving biopic about the life of a deformed sideshow performer. Produced by Mel Brooks’ company, the film earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Lynch’s first nod for Best Director.
Lynch received three Oscars nominations for 'Best Director'. Credit Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
However, his next major project, a 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, was a commercial disaster. Despite the film’s failure, Lynch rebounded with Blue Velvet (1986), a haunting exploration of small-town darkness, and Wild at Heart (1990), a violent and provocative road movie that won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Nobody could mistake Lynch’s work for anyone else’s. Blending elements of surrealism with noir and horror, Lynch created dreamlike, often disturbing worlds. Critic Pauline Kael once called him “the first populist surrealist,” likening his approach to the works of Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí.
His films often felt timeless, disconnected from any specific era or locale, leaving viewers mesmerized but unsettled. Lynch’s narratives were as enigmatic as M.C. Escher’s drawings and as haunting as Grimms’ fairy tales. While critics debated whether his films followed a logical thread, few doubted the power of his imagination.
Accolades and Legacy
Lynch’s work has been celebrated internationally, even as it sometimes divided domestic audiences. In a 2012 poll conducted by Sight & Sound magazine, nearly 900 experts ranked Mulholland Drive (2001) at No. 28 and Blue Velvet (1986) at No. 69 on the list of the greatest films ever made. However, none of his works appeared in the American Film Institute’s most recent top 100 list.
The Academy also showed limited recognition for Lynch’s work. Despite four Oscar nominations—for The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive—he did not win any competitive awards. In 2019, he received an honorary Oscar celebrating his extraordinary career.
Late Career and Personal Pursuits
Lynch’s cinematic output slowed in his later years. His 2006 feature Inland Empire failed to resonate with critics and audiences alike, marking the end of his major film projects. His 2017 short, What Did Jack Do?, in which he interrogated a monkey, captured more attention for its eccentricity than its artistry.
Lynch is known for his remarkable works like The Elephant Man and Mulholland Drive. Credit: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
He revisited his iconic series Twin Peaks with a Showtime reboot in 2017, though it failed to replicate the cultural impact of the original ABC series from 1990-91.
Instead of filmmaking, Lynch shifted his focus to other passions, including painting, coffee production, and transcendental meditation. He credited meditation with transforming his life, as he recounted in his 2018 memoir Room to Dream: “Everything in me changed when I started meditating. Within two weeks of starting, Peggy [his first wife, Peggy Lentz] comes to me and says … ‘Your anger. Where did it go?’”
A Singular Voice in Film
Lynch leaves behind an indelible legacy. His works, spanning the macabre and the mundane, revealed the unsettling truths beneath the surface of American life. His influence on film, television, and art remains unparalleled, ensuring his status as one of the most distinctive and visionary storytellers of all time.
The famed director is survived by two daughters and two sons.
Our thoughts are with Lynch's family, friends, and fans at this time.
Anthony Head, best known for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has sadly died at the age of 72.
News of the late star's death was confirmed in an emotional statement released by his family.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father," they said, per BBC News. "It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many."
Daughters Emily and Daisy confirmed the actor passed away "peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family".
Anthony Head has died at age 72. Credit: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
Head enjoyed a long and successful acting career across television and film.
He rose to international fame in the late 1990s as Rupert Giles, Buffy Summers' trusted mentor and Watcher in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The role made him a fan favorite and introduced him to a global audience.
Following his success on Buffy, he continued to land major television roles, appearing in the hit sketch comedy series Little Britain before taking on the role of King Uther Pendragon in the BBC fantasy drama Merlin.
More recently, a new generation of viewers came to know him as Rupert Mannion, the former football club owner in the award-winning comedy Ted Lasso.
His extensive list of credits also included roles in The Iron Lady, Persuasion, The Inbetweeners, and Manchild.
In the family's statement, Head's family said they were grateful to have watched him spend his life doing what he loved.
"We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues, and fans of the show he was in," they said, adding that he "loved his job very much" and "always considered himself incredibly lucky".
Featured image credit: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
Tributes have been pouring for Leslie Jordan after he died at the age of 67 following a car accident in Hollywood, California, on Monday morning.
Leading the tributes was 76-year-old country music legend Dolly Parton, who compared the tragedy to losing a family member.
Taking to Instagram, Parton mourned the loss, writing: "Well I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member. Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him.
"I know people always say, 'Oh, they will be missed' but in this case that could not be more true. He will be missed by everyone who knew him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him. Rest in peace lil' brother."
Credit: Instagram
Cardi B took to Twitter to simply write "😢😢😢I love him," in response to the tragic news.
Jordan's Call Me Kat costar Mayim Bialik shared the following statement with People on behalf of the sitcom's cast and crew: "There aren't words to convey the loss we are experiencing as a cast and a Call Me Kat family.
"Leslie Jordan was larger than life. He was a Southern gentleman; tender, wise, naughty and hilarious. We got to know and love him at the height of his happiness and joy and it is inconceivable to imagine a world without our Leslie: the man who would spit on his contact lenses before putting them in his eyes, the man who had a story about every man in Hollywood and some of the women as well, the man who lived to make people laugh. We will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time."
The Real's Loni Love penned a touching Instagram tribute to the Will and Grace star, writing: "The last time I worked with Leslie Jordan… we guest co hosted The Talk.. Leslie was so much fun to be around, always had a funny story and he inspired me to keep going in an industry that could be ageist … I will miss you my friend.. Mama is waiting on you."
Lance Bass also shared some sweet words about the funnyman on social media: "Legend is not a large enough word to describe Leslie Jordan. No one made me laugh harder. This one is heartbreaking. Rest well my friend."
Michelle Pfeiffer also remembered the late actor, writing: "Just heard the devastating news of the beloved Leslie Jordan's passing. Leslie was such a light for so many. Generously gifting the world with his love and humor, especially during this lockdown; one of our bleakest and loneliest times."
"He lived everyday to bring joy to every one he came in contact with," she continued. "Such a talent. Such an extraordinary human being. Such a loss. Rest well my friend."
Sean Hayes, one of Jordan's Will and Grace co-stars, honored him on Instagram, writing: "My heart is broken. Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with. Everyone who ever met him, loved him. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. Leslie, you will be missed, my dear friend. 😔❤️"
Fellow Will and Grace star Eric McCormack captioned a photo with Leslie: "Lunch with my friend #LeslieJordan in London, 2014. RIP you sweet, hilarious man. We all adored you. 💔 #WillandGrace @seanhayes @therealdebramessing @maxmutchnick," he wrote alongside a photo of them sharing a meal together."
Dylan McDermott mourned the passing of his American Horror Story co-star, writing, "We lost a great one today. @thelesliejordan was a wonderful friend to me. Leslie and I met on American Horror Story and made each other laugh. We talked on the phone recently about doing another show together as twin brothers. He truly was my brother. Love you Leslie. I will miss you dearly…"
Meghan McCain shared her condolences on Twitter: "There are not enough wonderful things to possibly say about Leslie Jordan in just a tweet. I am so saddened by this -his social media particularly during Covid brought millions of people such joy as did his legacy career in entertainment. He was also just a kind, sweet lovely man."
Katie Couric's tribute reads: "I'm heartbroken. I loved Leslie. He was such a doll...so fun and sweet and comforting. He will be so missed."
Jordan's agent, David Shaul, confirmed that the actor had died in a statement to Rolling Stone: "Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of its most difficult times.
"What he lacked in height, he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner, and human being. Knowing that he has left the world at the height of both his professional and personal life is the only solace one can have today."
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Jordan was behind the wheel of a BMW when he crashed into the side of a building in Hollywood at around 9:30AM. Jordan was pronounced dead at the scene.