Kyle MacLachlan relishes his FDR moment
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one of America’s most consequential presidents, has been portrayed by accomplished actors from Ralph Bellamy and Edward Herrmann to John Lithgow and Bill Murray.
Kyle MacLachlan gets his opportunity in PBS Masterpiece’s “Atlantic Crossing” (Sundays, check local listings), an eight-part miniseries based on the little-known but significant wartime relationship between FDR and Norwegian Crown Princess Martha (Sofia Helin). They met before the war and became confidantes after Germany invaded Norway and as Roosevelt guided a reluctant America into World War II.
“They both saw eye-to-eye about what was happening in Europe and that America needed to get involved in the war to save the day,” says MacLachlan, known for “Twin Peaks,” “Sex and the City” and “Portlandia.” “On a number of points, they had common ground.”
MacLachlan, 62, spoke about becoming FDR and the potential for more “Twin Peaks”(Edited and condensed for clarity.)
Question: How did it feel to play such a well-known, larger-than-life person as FDR?
Kyle MacLachlan: I wanted it to have as much truth as possible, not only in the physical portrayal but also in who he was as a man. The writing was all there, and it made me feel comfortable to go out on a limb and play this character.
Q: How much did physical elements – the hairstyle, pince-nez glasses and cigarette holder – help you transform into FDR?
MacLachlan: We decided early on not to go with a wig. I’ve been dyeing my hair year after year, so I finally just said, ‘Let’s strip everything out.’ So they stripped all the color out of my hair. The first time I looked a little bit like Billy Idol. I had a lot of shockingly yellow hair. On the second pass, it got to the gray and I said, “I think this is actually going to work.” We didn’t do any prosthetics, so I relied very heavily on the gray hair, and those glasses really helped. They were a little uncomfortable. Whenever you see me take them off and actually rub the bridge of my nose, it’s for real. The idea of the cigarette holder was just to make it feel comfortable and natural. (FDR) used it in a way that was particular to him.
Q: FDR and Crown Princess Martha
had a close diplomatic and personal relationship. Some observers suggested it was romantic. How did you approach that?
MacLachlan: There was great sensitivity from (director Alexander Eik), who is Norwegian, and Sofia Helin, the lead actress from Sweden, of telling the story of the crown prince and princess. Certainly, there was an emotional connection, also an intellectual connection. We soft-pedaled any potential physical relationship. It’s certainly hinted at in looks and gestures.
Q: How do you think using a wheelchair affected FDR as a person and a president?
MacLachlan: He contracted (his paralytic illness) later in his life. He was 39. So he had already lived a physically active life before he was stricken. He went through a dark period, struggling with it. He came back after a number of years, rejuvenated. All along that way, (his wife) Eleanor was by his side, helping him. I found that he emerged with a great empathy for other people that may not have been there before this happened to him.
Q: Can you describe his relationship
with Eleanor (Harriet Sansom Harris)?
MacLachlan: Harriet is extraordinary, and does a wonderful Eleanor. We’re seeing them later in their relationship after they’ve gone through so much. I think the dynamic between us, the chiding and the little bit of anger, spoke perfectly of where that relationship probably was at that time.
Q: You received a lot of attention recently for performing Agent Dale Cooper’s famous “Twin Peaks” opening monologue on TikTok while riding an exercise bike. Why did you do that?
MacLachlan: That was fun. The “Twin Peaks” fans have been incredibly supportive and they love the show. I like to speak to them in fun ways.
Q: Is there any chance of more “Twin Peaks?”
MacLachlan: I don’t think so. (Creator) David Lynch is the final arbiter of that. I don’t know if he’s been thinking of something. We all sort of wait on him about whether or not he wants to go back to “Twin Peaks.” I would really enjoy it. I love that character. I love that world. But at the moment, as far as I know, there are no plans.
Q: Do you understand “Twin Peaks?”
MacLachlan: No. I understand parts of it, but there are other things that I think were just meant to be experienced and are open to your own interpretation. I learned my lesson when I was working with him on “Dune” (in 1983) and I peppered him with so many questions. He would look at me with a blank stare and say, “That’s enough.” Gradually, I realized he didn’t really like to answer questions about the whys and wherefores. He wants you to figure it out yourself.
Q: Speaking of “Dune,” what do you think of a new version – with Timothée Chalamet taking on your character, Paul Atreides – coming this year?
MacLachlan: I’m excited. I love the (Frank Herbert) books. I love the whole world of it and I think there’s so many different ways to interpret it. There’s a huge difference between current filmmaking techniques and what we had in 1983, so I’m imagining the technological side is going to look really good.
Q: You played the mayor in “Portlandia.” Would you consider running for office?
MacLachlan: That would be difficult. I would have to have a really nice cabinet around me, really smart.