Sherilyn Fenn Reveals Why She Rejected a ‘Twin Peaks’ Storyline

Sherilyn Fenn was not keen on participating in a specific Twin Peaks storyline, and fans are now discovering the depth of her feelings about it.

As detailed in Scott Meslow’s book A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold History of Twin Peaks, the actress immediately objected to a beauty pageant plot introduced towards the end of the show’s original run.

This episode revolved around the fictional Miss Twin Peaks competition, reuniting many characters after various separate arcs. Characters such as Donna Hayward, Shelly Johnson, Lucy Moran, Nadine Hurley, Lana Milford, and Annie Blackburn participated in the contest. Although Audrey Horne, portrayed by Fenn, was technically part of the pageant, her involvement was minimal.

Fenn reportedly reached out to creator David Lynch as soon as she learned about the storyline. “I called David right away and said, ‘I’m not doing it. No f—ing way,’” she stated in Meslow’s book. She was adamant about not wanting Audrey to walk in a swimsuit or participate in the pageant like the other characters.

Instead, Audrey’s appearance was brief, allowing her to deliver a speech that better aligned with her character. During this moment, Audrey passionately speaks about the importance of protecting what matters and not standing idly by as it fades away.

“There is only one way to save a forest, an idea, or anything of value — and that is by refusing to stand by and watch it die,” Audrey declares in the episode. “There is a law of nature which is more fundamental to life than the laws of man.”

She concludes her speech with, “And that is what I, as Miss Twin Peaks or as Audrey Horne, intend to do.”

Fenn has previously praised David Lynch, crediting him for crafting Audrey into one of television’s most iconic characters. In a 2014 interview with The A.V. Club, she discussed how Lynch infused personal touches and instincts into the role, making Audrey feel distinctive.

“She was defined by David. She was who she was because of him,” Fenn said at the time. She also noted that some of Audrey’s traits and style choices reminded her family of her true self.

Twin Peaks first aired in 1990 and quickly became a significant topic of discussion in the television landscape. Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, the series followed the investigation into Laura Palmer’s murder in the enigmatic town of Twin Peaks. Over the years, the show garnered a devoted fanbase due to its surreal storytelling, quirky humor, and unforgettable characters like Audrey Horne.

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