Laura Dern joined Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson on their Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, where she shared an intriguing story from her early acting career. Discussing her role in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (1986), Dern revealed how this opportunity led to her forced departure from the University of California, Los Angeles’ film school.
In an ironic twist, the school now studies the movie.
What was Blue Velvet about?
David Lynch’s Blue Velvet is a landmark in cinematic history, renowned for its surreal narrative and bold thematic content.
The film stars Kyle MacLachlan as Jeffrey Beaumont, a college student who stumbles upon a severed ear in his seemingly idyllic suburban town. The gruesome discovery leads him into a dark and twisted investigation that introduces him to seductive lounge singer, Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and menacing gangster Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper).
Laura Dern portrays Sandy Williams, the local police chief’s daughter who becomes romantically involved with Beaumont.
Blue Velvet was ahead of its time
Upon its release, Blue Velvet was both celebrated and controversial. Critics lauded David Lynch for his daring direction and the film’s unsettling, yet captivating atmosphere. Others accused the director of misogyny, particularly for his portrayal of Isabella Rossellini’s character.
Despite initial reactions being mixed, Blue Velvet‘s distinct style and provocative subject matter earned Lynch an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, cementing it as a cult classic. The film also earned two Golden Globe nominations in 1987, for Best Supporting Actor (Dennis Hopper) and Best Screenplay (Lynch).
Laura Dern auditioned for Blue Velvet when she was just 17
At 17, Laura Dern was ecstatic to begin her journey at UCLA’s film school. However, her excitement was short-lived. After just two days, she auditioned for – and was offered – the role of Sandy Williams in Blue Velvet.
“I was 17, so excited to get into UCLA,” the actor recalled while appearing on Where Everybody Knows Your Name. “I was there for two days, and I had auditioned and got offered the role in Blue Velvet.”
Dern, who’d already had some acting experience, viewed the role as a dream come true, especially since she “worshipped” David Lynch, who’d already received an Oscar nomination for The Elephant Man (1980).
Laura Dern was forced to drop out of UCLA’s film school
Eager to seize the opportunity, Laura Dern approached the head of her college department, requesting a leave of absence to film. Her request, however, was met with a firm “absolutely not.”
She recounted the conversation, “I said, ‘I have this opportunity,’ and he said, ‘Well, I’ll look at the script if you want to give me the script, but, you know, you’re not going to get a leave of absence. It’s not going to happen. It’s not a medical emergency.'”
After reading the script, the department head delivered an ultimatum. “First of all, if you make this choice, you are no longer welcome at UCLA. You’ll be out. But secondly, having read this script, that you would give up your college education for this is insane.”
An ironic twist
Despite the harsh decision, Laura Dern chose to pursue the role, a choice that would ultimately define her career. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted the script was “incredibly shocking.” However, the irony of it all became evident years later.
“I will just end by saying after my two days, today, if you want to get a master’s in film at that school, when you write a thesis, there are three movies you are required to study,” she revealed. And you know what one of them is? P***** me off.”
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Blue Velvet not only launched Dern’s career but also became a significant academic subject, illustrating the profound impact of David Lynch’s work. In the end, her decision to leave UCLA proved to be a defining moment in her career.