Twin Peaks star Walter Olkewicz dies aged 72

Twin Peaks star Walter Olkewicz dies aged 72 following 20-year health battle – with his final on-screen role in iconic drama’s 2017 reboot

Twin Peaks actor Walter Olkewicz has died aged 72.

Walter passed away on Tuesday at his Los Angeles homes, with his son, screenwriter Zak Olkewicz, confirming his father’s death to the Hollywood Reporter.

The actor was most famous for his role as bartender and croupier Jacques Renault on the original series of Twin Peaks which ran for two seasons between 1990-1991. 

RIP: Twin Peaks actor Walter Olkewicz has died aged 72 (above in the show)

Walter had battled numerous health issues during the past 20 years, with a series of knee surgeries leading to infections that caused him to become bedridden.

He was then forced to take a break from acting. 

Walter shot to worldwide fame as the Canadian Renault, the brother of Jean Renault, (played by Michael Parks) and Bernie (Clay Wilcox)- he  became a suspect in Laura’s death.

He starred on the first season of the ABC drama before reprising his role in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992) and Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014).

The star made his final appearance as Jacques in the 2017 Showtime reboot, with his son telling the website: ‘It was his first role in almost 15 years, and he did it all from behind a bar to cover the fact that he couldn’t stand.’  

As well as his son, Walter is survived by his daughter-in-law Katrina Rennells and grandchildren Sadie and Declan Robert.