‘Twin Peaks’ Star Kyle MacLachlan Became a Dad at 49 – Meet His Only Blue-Eyed Son

Kyle MacLachlan had enjoyed around three decades of success in acting when he and his long-time partner decided to start a new chapter in life and become parents. The Hollywood star’s son is now all grown up and wholesome social media posts left fans convinced he was his father’s mini-me.

The “Twin Peaks” star revealed touching details about the “magical” experience fatherhood had been and how it changed him “from the inside.” This was in spite of his initial skepticism of the wonders of parenthood.

From Yakima to Hollywood Stardom

MacLachlan was born in Yakima, Washington, to a mother who was a public relations director. His father was a lawyer and stockbroker. MacLachlan kickstarted his acting career after graduating from the University of Washington in 1982.

His striking dark looks and commanding presence caught the attention of filmmaker David Lynch. The filmmaker later cast MacLachlan in his first feature film role. The actor’s debut came in the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic “Dune” in 1984.

The film received mixed reviews. However, it marked the beginning of a significant professional relationship between MacLachlan and Lynch. Their next collaboration came in the 1986 film “Blue Velvet.”

This truly put MacLachlan on the map. He played Jeffrey Beaumont. The character delved into the dark side of suburban America. This film showcased MacLachlan’s ability to handle complex and moody roles.

It also established him as a serious actor capable of leading a film. Following the success of “Blue Velvet,” MacLachlan’s career continued to ascend. In 1987, he starred as an FBI agent in the cult sci-fi film “The Hidden.”

This role came before one of his most famous characters. That character was Special Agent Dale Cooper in Lynch’s groundbreaking TV series, “Twin Peaks,” in 1990. As Agent Cooper, MacLachlan captivated audiences with his quirky charm and enigmatic presence.

The series became a cult phenomenon. MacLachlan’s performance earned him a Golden Globe award and two Emmy nominations. During the 1990s, MacLachlan maintained a steady presence in both television and film.

He portrayed Ray Manzarek in Oliver Stone’s biographical film “The Doors” in 1991. The actor then landed the role of the villain, Cliff Vandercave, in the live-action adaptation of “The Flintstones.”

MacLachlan then suffered a career setback with the critical and commercial failure of “Showgirls” in 1995. However, the actor’s resilience and talent kept him in the spotlight. The early 2000s marked a resurgence in his career.

MacLachlan took on a recurring role in the highly acclaimed HBO series “Sex and the City” from 1998 to 2004. On the show, he played Trey MacDougal, the charming yet troubled husband of Charlotte York, played by Kristin Davis.

“Sex and the City” was a cultural touchstone. It has since been celebrated for its frank portrayal of women’s lives and relationships in New York City. The show featured a stellar cast. This included Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, and Cynthia Nixon.

MacLachlan’s success continued with a starring role in the TV movie “The Spring in 2000.” This was followed by his role as Claudius in the modern adaptation of “Hamlet.”

In the mid-2000s, MacLachlan became a familiar face on network television. However, his role in “Desperate Housewives” brought him back into the mainstream limelight. The actor played Orson Hodge, a mysterious and morally ambiguous dentist.

MacLachlan was part of a star-studded ensemble cast. This included Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, and Eva Longoria. “Desperate Housewives” was a major success. It blended drama, comedy, and mystery, and won numerous awards throughout its run.

MacLachlan’s ability to seamlessly transition between film and television has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. This went hand-in-hand with his knack for choosing diverse and intriguing roles.

A Fateful Meeting and a Lasting Love

In April 1999, MacLachlan was undergoing traction therapy for a back injury. However, little did he know that a visit to a chiropractor’s office in Los Angeles would lead him to meet his future wife.

MacLachlan and TV producer Desiree Gruber engaged in a brief conversation. However, the actor was too shy to ask for her number. The serendipity of their meeting was evident when, that same evening, they both attended the Talk magazine launch party.

This coincidence took MacLachlan by surprise. They crossed paths again the next Monday. It was during another appointment at the chiropractor’s office. This repeated encounter felt like more than mere coincidence to the actor.

MacLachlan was mature enough to notice the universe was seemingly pushing them together. At the time, Gruber was living in New York. However, fate intervened once more when MacLachlan secured a role in “Sex and the City.” This necessitated his move to New York.

Through laughter, MacLachlan remarked, “We were helped along.” After three years of courtship, MacLachlan and Gruber decided to tie the knot. They exchanged vows at Miami’s Plymouth Congregational Church on April 20, 2002.

The wedding was a meticulously planned affair. It involved nearly a year of preparation. This included ballroom dancing lessons for the couple. MacLachlan fondly recalled the moment the church doors opened on his wedding day.

“I looked down the aisle and all I could see was Desiree smiling. The impact of that moment is something you can’t anticipate,” the actor said. However, the ceremony was not without its humorous moments.

Just after exchanging vows, a small mishap occurred. MacLachlan’s best man, his brother Craig, realized the wedding bands were missing.

“He was looking and looking in his pocket and realized he had a hole in his lining. All of a sudden [Kyle’s youngest brother and co-best man] Kent Jr. put his hand in Craig’s pocket, and all I heard was the lining ripping apart,” Gruber recounted the incident.

This moment of panic quickly turned into laughter among the 132 guests. This included celebrity friends like Chris Noth, Heidi Klum, and Naomi Campbell. Gruber revealed, “We were all laughing. I didn’t mind at all.”

The rings were eventually found and the ceremony was completed. Later, everyone gathered to continue the celebrations at the nearby Biltmore Hotel. There, the newlyweds demonstrated their newly acquired dancing skills. They hit the dance floor to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.”

Klum described the newlyweds’ performance as “graceful.” The reception was a lavish affair. It featured an eight-piece band playing Latin music. There was also a sumptuous feast. It had prosciutto-wrapped grissini. It also had Caribbean conch chowder and a Colorado-roasted rack of lamb.

The festivities continued until 3 a.m. Then, the tired but happy couple went to their $2,850-a-night suite. Reflecting on the evening, MacLachlan described it as a “magical” night.

Over two decades later, MacLachlan and Gruber continue to celebrate their enduring marriage. During an interview, the actor was asked about the secret to his long-standing relationship.

“We’re very patient and respectful with each other — she’s probably much more patient than I am. She’s also incredibly smart and wise, and very pragmatic,” he shared.

Kyle MacLachlan’s Journey Embracing Fatherhood

In 2008, nearly six years after tying the knot, MacLachlan and Gruber welcomed their son, Callum Lyon MacLachlan. The actor was 49 years old at the time, while Gruber was 40. Before giving birth, the TV producer revealed that her husband was “so excited” about fatherhood.

This was despite facing some playful disagreements about the baby’s name. MacLachlan had hoped to name their son Jethro. The name was inspired by his favorite band, Jethro Tull. However, Gruber “nixed [Jethro] right away.”

In September 2008, when his bundle of joy was eight and a half weeks old, MacLachlan described his son as “pretty adorable.” The actor further shared that he was adjusting to his new role as a father just fine.

While filling in as a co-host on “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” MacLachlan admitted that he had been skeptical of other parents’ claims that having a baby would change his life. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find that they were right.

“It does [change you], from the inside and in a way that you really can’t describe. It is a magical, magical thing,” the actor said. During the show, co-host Kelly Ripa said parenthood was like a scene from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

This was the scene where the Grinch’s heart grows larger. MacLachlan resonated with this analogy. The actor said his heart grew “ten sizes” the day his son was born. “That’s exactly how I feel because I was kind of green and Grinchy before,” MacLachlan joked.

The bond between MacLachlan and his family has continued to flourish over the years. In February 2023, the actor shared a touching photo of his wife and son to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“My two favorites Valentines ❤️❤️ Lucky me ☺️ @desireegruber,” the caption read. The post was met with adoration from fans. One fan wrote, “Wow your son so handsome look like u (sic).” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “He look just like his father (sic) 😍😮🙌❤️.” Another admirer noted, “Callum looks like a model.”

Gruber also honored her husband and son on Valentine’s Day in 2023. The TV producer did so with a picture of MacLachlan and their son standing side by side. Her caption read, “Happy Valentine’s Day to my two favorite guys 😍💖 @kyle_maclachlan.”

The comments section was filled with similar sentiments about their son’s appearance. “Wow! He’s so grown up now🌸,” one person commented. “Omg – so tall and handsome 😍,” another shared.

Mother’s Day in 2023 saw Gruber take to Instagram to celebrate with heartfelt snaps featuring her son. She captioned the post in part, “Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures! 💖 Lucky me to be able to celebrate with my son (pretty soon will be hard to be in the same photo together … Callum’s getting SO tall 🤯).”

The response from followers was full of admiration. “Great photo. Wow, he is tall and handsome like his parents ❤️” commented one user. “OMG! Callum is so tall and handsome Desi!” another shared.

In June 2024, Gruber celebrated MacLachlan on Father’s Day with a loving Instagram post. It showcased their beautiful family. “Happy Father’s Day to the world’s best actor, podcaster, vintner, TikTok sensation, National Parks enthusiast, and most importantly …. DAD!” the caption started.

“We are the luckiest 🥰❤️ @kyle_maclachlan,” the caption continued. Fans were quick to notice Callum’s growing resemblance to his father. “It’s crazy how much your son starts looking like Kyle!! Happy Father’s Day ❤️,” one person commented.

Kyle MacLachlan’s Life in Recent Years

In recent years, MacLachlan has continued to build his impressive acting portfolio. In 2021, the actor took on a big role. He played President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the series “Atlantic Crossing.”

The series explored a little-known story. It was about Roosevelt’s close friendship and flirtation with Norway’s Crown Princess Martha. Reflecting on this role, MacLachlan shared, “It was an amazing opportunity. Once I read the script, I thought, ‘I’m in.'”

However, MacLachlan has also found time to enjoy a slower pace of life with his family. The past few years have been filled with father-son basketball games, family Monopoly sessions, outdoor grilling, and a surprising new hobby: TikTok.

MacLachlan revealed, “That’s been my creative outlet. I love creating little stories.” Interestingly, it was actress Ashley Tisdale who introduced him to the platform. “I learned about it when I was working with Ashley on [the CBS sitcom] Carol’s Second Act,” MacLachlan explained.

However, not everyone in the MacLachlan household is a fan of his TikTok endeavors. The actor humorously admitted, “He’s [Callum] embarrassed by my TikToks. He says ‘Dad, please don’t.’ Once in a while, he’ll give me a thumbs up but more often than not it’s the cringe Dad post.”

MacLachlan decision to slow down allowed him to connect with his family and also embrace his evolving public image. Over time, fans have noticed his changing appearance. Particularly his transition to gray hair. Social media buzzed with reactions.

One fan tweeted, “@Kyle_MacLachlan You’ve got grey hair? When did that happen?” Another person humorously suggested, “We need to study what happened to Kyle MacLachlan.”

Embracing fatherhood, creativity, and the passage of time, Kyle MacLachlan continued to captivate audiences both on and off the screen.