Russ Tamblyn who played Dr. Lawrence Jacoby and his alter-ego Dr. Amp in Twin Peaks celebrates his birthday on December 30. To celebrate another year of having his wonderful soul on Earth, I’m reflecting on my first meeting with him at 1996 Twin Peaks Fan Festival in Snoqualmie Valley, Washington.
DR. LAWRENCE JACOBY, AGENT COOPER
Russ blazed onto the screen in the Pilot Episode of Twin Peaks when he introduces himself to Special Agent Dale Cooper. I think it was this moment that I fell in love with his character.
In fact, I have to thank his character for jump starting my obsession with all things Hawaiian during my senior year in high school. I held a Hawaiian-themed graduation party in June 1994, and today, I still collect Hawaiiana (my collection now includes more than 500 mugs, decor and much more). Hang loose, indeed!
PLAYING PIANO AT THE 1996 TWIN PEAKS FAN FESTIVAL
In August 1996, my friend Joe Neff and I traveled from Ohio to Washington to attend our first (and only) Twin Peaks Fan Festival. From August 9-11, we were immersed in the sights and sounds of the real Twin Peaks.
On Sunday, we attended a Cherry Pie Party in North Bend, Washington, just down the street from the Mar-T Cafe. Upon entering the facility, we were serenaded with music. It was Russ Tamblyn on piano! He ended up playing for about 10 minutes.
Look carefully and you’ll spot cameos by his daughter Amber, the late Craig S. Miller from “Wrapped in Plastic” and Don S. Davis (Major Garland Briggs). This was such a treat to see and hear.
FIRST MEETING RUSS TAMBLYN
Only two days prior, I met Russ for the first time at the Celebrity Dinner held at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, Washington. I’ll never forget when he asked me if I wanted to wear THE red and blue glasses for the photo. I thought I died and went to Twin Peaks heaven. He must have known that small gesture would make my entire trip.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!
So on this special day, I send many happy returns of the day to Russ Tamblyn.
He shared the following Tweet on December 30, 2020 asking for Georgians to please vote for the Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff during the upcoming election on January 5 (seriously, please do this if you are registered to vote in Georgia).
I adore that he is still sporting that Twin Peaks ’90-’91 crew shirt complete with the Bookhouse Boys patch in his tweet.
Russ’ daughter Amber also shared birthday greetings via Twitter along with a photo of them.
Thank you to Russ for his many wonderful performances and for being the voice of reason for all of us. I’m definitely going to “shovel my way out of the shit” in 2021!
