Spotlight on Spotlight
At age 66, Kyle MacLachlan has earned iconic roles on television and film ranging from Twin Peaks to Inside Out and most recently Fallout as Hank MacLean Overseer Hank MacLean. Recently however, Kyle is finding new fame via viral platforms such as TikTok and Instagram; what began as promotional tools quickly evolved into full-fledged online presence with charming fans with humor, nostalgia and unexpected dance videos!
MacLachlan says his social media success wasn’t planned out but rather showcases his playful nature, something his longtime fans have long appreciated in his performances.
How We Got Started: Podcast Promotions and Dance Videos
At first, MacLachlan tested social media waters by posting quirky videos promoting his podcast Varnamtown that garnered laughter and attention – giving him confidence to experiment more and experiment even further. One of MacLachlan’s breakout moments came via TikTok where he danced along to popular songs while lip-synching with fellow actor Dylan O’Brien; both videos garnered millions of likes that introduced MacLachlan to an entirely new audience beyond just film and television fans.
He attributes much of his success to the creative team — as well as to his willingness to embrace silliness and test himself in unfamiliar areas.
Callum’s Hilarious — and Affirming — Approach
Fans have taken an enthusiastic response to MacLachlan’s TikTok persona; his son Callum, now 17, however has had more nuanced thoughts on its authenticity and utility. According to his actor father, sometimes Callum finds some videos “a bit cringey”, or suggests tweaks; nonetheless his overall reaction has been supportive rather than dismissive of these efforts; MacLachlan embraces these moments as part of the fun, reflecting generational differences on how social media should be seen by different generations.
MacLachlan remains close with Callum despite occasional playful criticism, borrowing items from Callum’s wardrobe — such as baggy pants and hoodies — to complete certain TikTok posts, turning any potential embarrassment into shared creativity.
Balance Stardom With Playfulness
MacLachlan uses social media less as a vehicle for fame than as an outlet to share joy, laughter and the unexpected. He uses it as an extension of his creative spirit – whether nodding back at nostalgic characters from yesteryear, dancing along to popular tunes or having fun with trends – showing that reinvention and playfulness can occur at any stage in life, with some of its best moments occurring when engaging what makes us laugh!
