Lara Flynn Boyle, the enigmatic actress known for her roles in “Twin Peaks” and “The Practice,” recently opened up about her past relationship with Jack Nicholson in a rare interview with People magazine. The 54-year-old actress, who has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years, shared insights into her life, career, and the significant impact Nicholson had on her.
Boyle’s relationship with Nicholson, which began in 1999, was a high-profile romance that captivated the tabloids. Reflecting on their time together, Boyle described it as “seven years of great times” and “seven years of wonderful.” Despite their eventual breakup, she emphasized that Nicholson remains a “huge part” of her life. “The world of Jack is always here. There’s no retiring for the world of Jack. Never,” she said, noting that they still keep in touch, although they no longer hang out.
The actress also addressed rumors about how she met Nicholson, particularly a story involving her then-boyfriend David Spade. Spade had claimed that Nicholson asked Boyle out in front of him, leading to tension between the couple. Boyle, however, dismissed this account, stating emphatically that it “never happened” and suggesting that some people like to embellish stories for publicity.
Boyle’s relationship with Nicholson marked a turning point in her dating life. “I left with a bang when it came to actors,” she said, indicating that she decided to step away from dating fellow actors after their relationship ended. Since then, she has been happily married to Texas real estate developer Donald Ray Thomas, whom she met nearly two decades ago. “I have a lovely marriage. We were together that night and ever since,” she shared.
In the interview, Boyle also touched on her experiences with ageism in Hollywood, a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years. However, she offered a unique perspective, stating, “The thing that gets my goat is when actresses talk about ageism in Hollywood. Ageism is human nature. It’s not Hollywood’s fault. It’s all of our fault. Myself included. I like looking at pretty people on the camera.”
Boyle’s career has seen its ups and downs, with periods of intense public scrutiny and quieter times away from the spotlight. She rose to fame with her role as Donna Hayward in “Twin Peaks” and went on to star in popular films like “Wayne’s World” and “Men in Black II.” Despite her success, she has faced challenges, including dealing with the pressures of Hollywood and navigating personal relationships in the public eye.
In recent years, Boyle has taken a step back from acting, but she insists that she never truly left the industry. “I never wanted to bow out. Any moment I was feeling down or sorry for myself, I made sure I did not complain,” she said. Her mother played a crucial role in keeping her grounded, often bringing her articles about other actresses to show that she wasn’t the only one facing difficulties.
Boyle’s latest project, “Mother, Couch,” marks her return to the big screen. The film, directed by Niclas Larsson, features an ensemble cast including Ewan McGregor, Rhys Ifans, Taylor Russell, and Ellen Burstyn. Boyle plays Linda, the chain-smoking daughter of Burstyn’s character, who refuses to get up from a couch in a furniture store. The film is set to open in limited release on July 5.
Larsson, who grew up reading tabloids featuring Boyle, expressed his admiration for the actress and his desire to cast her in future projects. Boyle, for her part, seems eager to continue working in the industry she loves, despite the challenges that come with it.
Throughout her career, Boyle has faced her share of controversies and public scrutiny. She has been the subject of tabloid headlines, particularly regarding her relationships and personal struggles. In the interview, she acknowledged her past issues with alcohol but stated that her drinking days are behind her. “Those disco boots, they’ve had their time,” she said, adding that she is now focused on her health and well-being.
Boyle also revealed that she has had some #MeToo experiences but chose not to name names. “I’ve been in situations that were not called for,” she said. “I’ve walked out of meetings and had repercussions for it. We all go through it.”
Despite the challenges, Boyle remains optimistic about her future in Hollywood. She is determined to keep working and to continue pursuing her passion for acting. Her resilience and determination have been key to her longevity in an industry known for its fickleness.
As Boyle prepares for the release of “Mother, Couch,” she is once again stepping into the spotlight, but on her own terms. She is not interested in narratives about comebacks or second chances. “You don’t want an article to read, ‘Boyle’s Second Chance’ or ‘Look Who’s Back,'” she said. “I’m right here.”
Boyle’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep love for her craft. Her relationship with Jack Nicholson may have been a significant chapter in her life, but it is just one part of a much larger narrative. As she continues to navigate the complexities of Hollywood, Boyle remains a compelling and enigmatic figure, always ready for the next chapter in her storied career.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, People
