Catherine E. Coulson, best known for playing the Log Lady on “Twin Peaks,” died Monday at the age of 71.
The actress had a recurring role in both seasons of the David Lynch series, and also appeared in the follow-up film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.” She was set to reprise her role in the upcoming Showtime reboot of the series.
“Today I lost one of my dearest friends, Catherine Coulson. Catherine was solid gold,” said Lynch in a statement. “She was always there for her friends — she was filled with love for all people — for her family — for her work. She was a tireless worker. She had a great sense of humor — she loved to laugh and make people laugh. She was a spiritual person — a longtime TM meditator. She was the Log Lady.”
“Everyone is special, but Catherine Coulson was a shining star who ended every email or phone call with ‘I love you.’ It is an understatement to say she will be missed,” said Coulson’s agent, Mary Dangerfield.
Coulson first appeared in Lynch’s 1974 short film “The Amputee” as a woman with both legs amputated. She also served as a crew member on the director’s 1977 movie “Eraserhead.”
Since the conclusion of “Twin Peaks,” the actress made several guest appearances on series including “Psych” and “Portlandia.”
Coulson has a daughter with husband Marc Sirinsky. She was previously married to “Eraserhead” star Jack Nance.