‘Ganymede’ Star Robyn Lively Finally Learns What Happened To Her ‘Twin Peaks’ Character

The tale of ‘80s child actors is an oft-told one, and far too often tales have a tendency to end rather depressingly, but Robyn Lively – who actually began her acting career in the late ‘70s, making her TV debut as Kristy McNichol’s little sister in the 1978 World War II drama, Summer of My German Soldier – has a story that’s still going strong in 2024. Indeed, Lively has managed to forge a substantial career over the course of the decades, cementing herself in the public eye in 1989 with two films that remain in the pop culture consciousness even now: Teen Witch , in which she played titular spellcaster, and The Karate Kid III , in which she played Daniel LaRusso’s platonic pal, Jessica Andrews.

As fans of Cobra Kai undoubtedly already know, Lively recently reprised the role of Jessica in the series’ fifth season, but in the interim between those two performances, to say that she’s been consistently active as an actress would be a significant understatement: she’s racked up credits in 100+ projects over the years, including one that recently brought her into Decider’s orbit for a conversation: Ganymede , directed by Colt Holt and Sam Probst. Calling it an LGBTQ+ horror film doesn’t quite do the film’s premise justice, but it’s fascinating and powerful watch, one aided both by Lively’s multifaceted performance as well as an unexpected – but definitely successful – dramatic turn by David Koechner.

Of course, Decider chatted with Lively about the film, but don’t worry, we also discussed a plethora of other items from her filmography, including – but not limited to – Twin Peaks , The X-Files , 30 Rock , working with Wil Wheaton on Criminal Minds , getting giddy about acting alongside Jason Bateman on George and Leo , and why she had no long-term regrets about not being selected to star in NCIS .

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DECIDER: I’ll just kick things off by saying that, in addition to being glad to speak to you today, I’m very glad I was able to watch Ganymede this morning.

ROBYN LIVELY: Oh, great!

I thought it was fantastic.

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Oh, I’m so happy to hear that! Yeah, it’s got a really good and a very important message.

Absolutely. So how did this project come about for you? Did they just reach out to you?

You know, it came to me by the way most everything does, pretty much, and that’s that it was just sent to me. And I was really attracted to the message of the story, and I was attracted to… Well, I’m from the South, so generally, when it’s a southern role, there’s something that I can identify with, and I really did identify with her. Not so much the homophobia, of course! But I was really drawn to it, and I was very curious to do the role because of that, and I loved the transformation that she went through. I loved her journey. I love that she’s flawed and complicated and…I recognize this woman.

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Growing up in the South, I went to church every Sunday, and then we would visit people’s homes after church. I was a very observant kid, and I saw this dynamic. I mean, we’re talking late ‘70s, early ‘80s. But I saw this dynamic, I witnessed it, the father being the ruler of the roost and the woman’s place being like, you know, she takes care of the family. She’s got her face on, she’s always put together, but she takes care of the family and she’s got the meals on the table. It was such an interesting story to me, and I really loved that. I loved Foy’s journey. I love that she went from being someone who had no voice and didn’t know how to stand up for herself and truly didn’t know what she… [Hesitates.] Okay, I’m talking a lot. [Laughs.] But there’s a lot I have to say about it!

And I can appreciate that!

I loved that she… Like, I find that women, there are mothers out there that are genuinely trying to do right by their children in changing their sexuality. They think that they’re helping them. But they’re hurting them, and they don’t realize that. And Floy goes through this journey, and she realizes that. She finds her voice, and she stands up for her son, and she realizes the importance of loving him exactly where he’s at and… Yeah, so I loved a lot about it. [Laughs.] As you can see!

I think it’s fascinating the way that it’s framed as a horror movie, which it is, but…the horrors are real. It’s fiction, but the terrifying aspects are all too real.

They are.  I think the monster is just a metaphor for his own demons that [her son] is battling.

I saw at least one press release that used the word “campy” to describe the film, but there’s only a couple of minutes in there that might qualify as campy. I’m also from the South, and to me it feels all too real.

Yeah, it is. It’s a very real story. I mean, at the heart of it, it’s a very real and prevalent story. Our world is changing in such a positive way, but we still have a long way to go, and I think it’s really important to put this message out there.

Were you surprised at how well David Koechner took to his role in the film, given that he’s not really known for dramatic parts?

Oh, he was terrific and terrifying, you know? He was really very believable. I loved working with him. Jordan Doww, he’s just a sweetheart. And I thought he did a wonderful job. And I loved working with Joe Chrest. I think he’s so talented and was spot-on with his character. Like, you just couldn’t stand him. [Laughs.] He was so good. Yeah, I really enjoyed working with everyone, and the producers and the directors… They were just such wonderful humans.

I was thoroughly impressed just by the cast as a whole. With lower-budget films starring relative unknowns, you never know what you’re going to get in terms of performances, but everyone here was pretty great.

Well, they were fortunate enough to get people that’ve been in this industry for a long time. And they were able to do that because of the story and because of the message. Certainly not because of the money. [Laughs.] Not with independent filmmaking!

Whatever the budget was, it looked as good as any major film I’ve seen in a while.

Yeah, they did a great job. They really did.

So to move on to the rest of your career, I like to ask actors about the first role they ever had on camera, and yours goes pretty far back, so I don’t even know what you really remember from it, but I will say that I did find it on YouTube: The Summer of My German Soldier .

Well, you know, that actually wasn’t my first… [Pauses.] Okay, let me think. At that point, I was five years old, and I had done many commercials, but… You know what? Other than commercials, that probably was my first television appearance. Yeah, you might be right about that.

Like I said, I know you probably don’t remember much, but I’m guessing that you remember having to sing the song.

I remember it so well. You’d be surprised. That memory is very vivid. I mean, honestly, it’s like I’m right there. I remember so much about that experience…and I loved Kristy McNichol! I was a huge fan of her work even as a child. And I actually got to wear Shirley Temple’s clothes, which was a huge deal for me. I remember specifically that the elastic in the waistband was crunchy and wooden, you know, because it was old. And, yes, I remember the song. [Laughs.]

To be honest with you, if I’m not mistaken, I think my mom came up with that song. My mom was very involved in my career and my success, and as a child, I couldn’t read at three years old and when I would have auditions, in the script, in the sides, she would draw pictures to help me remember my lines. She was incredible, so talented, she was amazing. Honestly, I credit my success to my mother, because she was fantastic in every way. She still is.

I did an interview recently with someone who was praising Elijah Wood’s mother for being the definitive proper stage mother, because she was just, like, “You all need to remember that my child is a child . He’s not here to hang out. When he’s not working, he needs to go home. He needs to learn his lines and he needs to do his homework.”

Oh, that’s great. Yeah, my mom was like that, too. I will say, sometimes she drove me crazy. [Laughs.] Because I would have to do the lines over and over and over. But I was always prepared. Always prepared.

I put on social media that I was going to be talking to you, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that I got 30+ suggestions of various projects to ask you about. I know I’ll in no way have time to ask you about all of them, but I’ll start with the one I’m most curious about: the experience of working on Twin Peaks .

Oh, it was incredible . I’m so glad you asked me about this one, because that’s a really good one. That’s a good story. That was an absolute career highlight, and I was such a huge fan of that show, as was everyone. That show took everyone by surprise. I mean, there was nothing like it on television. It was revolutionary. David Lynch is just a genius, and I remember every week, just being glued to the television. So when the second season came around, and then I got an audition for a recurring role, I was so excited.

The role was… Like, the description was, “Oh, she’s so beautiful that the men are just stumbling over themselves,” and I was like, “Oh, gosh!” Now, mind you, the women on the show were the most beautiful women I had ever seen. They were plastered on every cover of every magazine, and I was, like, “Okay, Robyn, you’ve got to do something to stand out here, because you’re not going to get it on your looks, okay? That’s not what’s going to get you this role.” So, I read it and I’m, like, “What can I do, what can I bring to this that’s gonna set me apart from everyone else?” And I immediately read it as Southern, and I was, like, “Oh, my gosh, that’s it! She’s Southern! She’s super Southern!” So I took a risk. I thought, “The thing is, they’ll either love it or they’ll hate it, but whatever, I’m taking a risk.” And they loved it! And obviously I got the role, and I was just pinching myself. I couldn’t believe that I was a part of Twin Peaks . And I just loved the character. I loved working with everyone. It was an absolute dream come true.

David Lynch wasn’t directing many of the episodes by that point, but I know he at least did the series finale…or, rather, what was the season finale at the time.

Yeah, he did, but he seemed pretty removed from the episodes that I was in. I didn’t even get an opportunity to get to work with him. I saw him in the building, but I didn’t get to work for him, which was a bummer. But I was still a part of his show?

What do you remember about John Boylan, who played your fiancée?

Oh, my gosh. Well, I was 19 years old at the time reading, and I remember there was a stage direction that said we kissed passionately, and I was so mortified, and I was so scared. I was, like, “Oh, no…” But, obviously, it just turned into me just kissing him all over his face, which was totally fine. But he was so sweet and so wonderful to work with.

I have to ask: have you read about what happened to your character after Twin Peaks ended?

[Surprised.] No! What was it?

Okay, so Mark Frost wrote two books that delved into the history of the town of Twin Peaks and its residents, and in Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier , it says:

“On her way up the plutocratic food chain, Lana briefly dated a notorious resident of a certain eponymous tower on Fifth Avenue who was either between wives stepping out or merely window shopping.”

Which would seem to imply that Lana had a fling with Donald Trump.

No way. That’s so cool. I mean, that’s better than what I had imagined, so thank goodness! [Laughs.] She was definitely a climber, that Lana. [Hesitates.] Do you want to hear something else that’s so fun? Another little tidbit of inside info?

Always.

I ended up doing an episode of The X-Files , and David Duchovny came up to me and was, like, “Oh, my gosh, Robyn, it’s so good to see you again!” And I was, like, “What?” He said, “We worked together!”

You sure did.

[Laughs.] But I’m, like, “No, we didn’t, I think I would remember if we worked together.” He goes, “Yes, we did. On Twin Peaks .” And then he tells me the role…and I was floored. I had no idea. And he goes, “Yeah, that was one of my first jobs.” And I’m, like, “I can’t believe that was you!” I was freaking out. So cool.

And it’s also interesting to look back and realize – at least as far as the ‘90s go – it was arguably one of better trans representations on TV up to that point.

Right? It was amazing. That was, what, the early ‘90s? That was progressive. It was great. That show was… I’m telling you, it was just revolutionary. What a thrill to be a part of that show, honestly. And the Miss Twin Peaks contest? I remember reading the script, it was, like, “Lana performs jazz contortionistic dance exotica,” and I was, like, “I’m sorry, what?” [Laughs.] “Jazz contortionistic what?! Wait, what am I going to have to do here?” It was hilarious.

As long as we’re talking about prestige TV, what do you remember about the experience of working on 30 Rock ?

Oh, my gosh. You’re picking some of my absolute favorites. The best of the best of the best! Well, you know, I have to say what an intimidating set it was to step on to, to be a guest, when you know that Jennifer Aniston was on the episode prior and Oprah is on the episode following you! [Laughs.] I was like, “How am I here? This is amazing! ” And it turns out that there was a producer that was a Teen Witch fan – Matt Hubbard – and then Tina [Fey], she confided that to me. She’s, like, “Robyn, I have to tell you, I had to sit through it, and I’d watch the ‘I Like Boys’ scene, and we were laughing so hard…”

Tina was amazing. Alec was wonderful. They were so warm and welcoming. And honestly, to be completely forthcoming, I was like the new kid. You know, every time you go onto a show that’s established, you feel like the new kid in school who’s coming in second semester that knows no one, and now you’re thrust into the popular group, you know what I mean? It’s really intimidating. And sometimes the experience is not great, and then other times you’re so delighted. And by them being so warm and welcoming and professional and kind, it allowed me to do my best. I feel so confident and I feel so good, I’m not intimidated, I don’t feel nervous… And that’s why that was one of my most favorite experiences and why I love that role. I had so much fun. It was just the best. And by the way, it was Tina’s idea to wig me. It was one of her wigs from SNL . It was…maybe the one she wore when she played Joey Buttafuoco’s wife? I can’t remember for sure. But it was one of her wigs from SNL , which is really cool. And that episode won an Emmy.

Since you brought up Teen Witch … I was going to ask about it eventually anyway, but I have to imagine that you never expected how much of a cult that film would eventually develop.

Oh, no, I couldn’t have imagined. We clearly we had no idea what we were making, and I think it just grew such an incredible audience because it was so fantastical and it resonated with so many people, which was so surprising to me because it’s such a campy movie. But I think because it played over and over and over on Disney, it grew an audience, and then over the years it has become the most beloved project I’ve ever done, because of the fan base and how it has touched the lives of so many people in such a profound way.

I’ll give you an example. I did a screening in San Francisco, and it was so much fun. They did a whole drag show. They bring me out on their shoulders… Well, that was my idea for them to bring me out on the shoulders of the two dancers. They were just going to walk me on, and I’m like, “Give me a tutu. If we’re going to do this, let’s do it right!” So I put on a tutu over my jeans and literally the audience, they were like bowing down. It was one of the most fun experiences ever. And after that show, this young guy came up to me, you know, probably early 20s, and he takes me by the hands and he’s got tears in his eyes, and he looks at me – there’s all this chaos going on around me – and he’s, like, “You have no idea how you changed my life. You changed my life!” And he was tearing up! And I was, like, “Oh my gosh, what? This movie? Wait, wha t?”

And it was that moment that changed it for me forever, because I hadn’t realized. I thought it was just like this campy, bubblegum, cheesy little movie that was fun. But to a lot of people, it really meant something to them. And now with Instagram, you’re able to see personal stories. And I’ve literally just wept reading some of the comments. So anyway, I love it. It’s so near and dear to my heart.

In the late ‘90s, you did a sitcom with a couple of comedy legends: George and Leo .

Oh, my gosh, another classic. And you’re right: legends. Legends . Bob Newhart, Judd Hirsch, Jason Bateman. Those were awesome. I mean, I was not used to doing a half hour sitcom. So it was an undertaking for me because the style of acting is very different. It’s very much timed out, and you’re setting up jokes, or you’re landing the jokes and you have to do it on the exact beat for it to work, you know? I know Jim Burrows directed one episode and, you know, he’s just as big as it gets in that world. I was working with some really incredible people, and it was a wonderful experience. But it was short-lived. But Jason Bateman, I absolutely adore. I said to him on set, “I am literally your biggest fan.” I was laughing at everything he did and I was, like, “Do that line again! Do it again. Oh, my gosh, do it again!” [Laughs.] So it was great. It was a wonderful experience.

Do you have a particular Bob Newhart story that stands out?

I can’t think of one in particular. But my overall memory of him was that he was just the kindest, most professional, wonderful soul. He was amazing, and I felt so honored to have the opportunity to work with him. You know, he was just incredible.

More recently, you worked on a well-regarded family series: Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street .

Oh, that was another great show! That was when Amazon’s original streaming programming was still very new. But I loved that show. And my husband ended up recurring on the show, which was really fun. It was a great experience and a really fun and smart show. I loved it. And it filmed in LA, which was so nice because my kids were young at the time, and it didn’t take me away from my family.

You definitely have the advantage of being able to jump between drama and comedy throughout your career.

And I’ve loved it. I think it’s such a gift to be able to do both and to feel comfortable doing both. I think I’m kind of funny, so… [Laughs.] You know. I love doing both. It’s nice. I find that I do more drama than I do comedy, so when I get the opportunity to do comedy, I’m, like, “Oh, hallelujah!” Not that comedy is easy by any means, but crying can be very challenging sometimes, you know? And I find with the roles for women there’s a lot of that required. It’s nice to have a break and just have fun and laugh.

Well, you’ve managed to carve out a niche where I think you may have been on a single episode of just about every hour-long drama in recent memory. It’s kind of crazy.

Right? I’m so fortunate. I still pinch myself. I mean, our industry has changed so much from the time I was three, five, 12, 15, 20… You know what I mean? And I’ve been able to transition, which is kind of unheard of. So I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to still be in this industry doing what I absolutely love, because it’s become so much more competitive.

Plus, today I was literally able to watch you in the pilot episodes of Punky Brewster and your episode of Criminal Minds . That’s range.

[Laughs.] And Criminal Minds was with Wil Weaton! Wil and I, we already knew each other, and he felt so terrible. We were doing that one really rough scene, and in between takes he’s, like, “Robyn, I’m so sorry. Robyn, I’m so sorry.” But I love that episode. William Mapother, he’s also in it, and he’s a terrific actor. Yeah, that was a great episode. And Punky Brewster ‘s fun, too!

You popped up in my childhood viewing a fair amount. Silver Spoons , Knight Rider …

Those are some classics. Knight Rider … Oh, I couldn’t believe I was getting to work with David Hasselhoff and KITT! [Laughs.] I was just 12 years old. I was so excited. I can still hear the theme song to Knight Rider in my head!

When you look back at your career, is there any project that didn’t get the love that you thought it deserved that you worked on?

I did a movie called Through the Glass Darkly . It was an independent film, and I really loved it. Oh, gosh, this role was stepping so far outside of my comfort zone, and it was such a risk for me, but I was so proud of it. I worked with Shanola Hampton, and I had an incredible director, Lauren Fash. It was a great movie, but then it came out when COVID happened and… I just felt like it had so much going against it. It didn’t have the opportunity it should’ve gotten. I think it would have done so well. But that was one that I really was proud of and wish had gotten a better opportunity.

How do you look back at the primetime soap Savannah ?

Oh, I look back with such fond memories. That was a wonderful experience. I felt so excited to be a part of an Aaron Spelling show, and the girls and I, we got along so well. It was campy, it was cheesy, it was dramatic… It was a soap opera! It was such a surprise hit for me. Like, I was shocked at how well it did…and then I was equally shocked with how quickly it was off the air! I was, like, “What?! This show was a hit! What happened?”

But we loved it, I thought it was really fun. And, you know, the passing of David Gail [earlier this year] was really shocking. I just went, “What? I… I don’t like this part of life!” That was really devastating. But that show was great. I have such fond memories of it. And we shot in Georgia, which is my home, my original home. So it was nice to be able to get to see so much of my family, and…I loved it. I just loved the whole experience.

I know it was just one episode, but do you have a memory from working on Amazing Stories ?

Oh, my gosh, that was so much fun.

Mick Garris directed the episode, who’s a legendary horror guy.

That’s exactly what I was going to say! Mick Garris became one of my all-time favorite humans on planet Earth. I adore that man. We tried so many times to work together again and it just hasn’t worked out, but what a wonderful person. He was so great, so talented, so creative, just a good human being. You know, there’s certain people that you meet in this industry and you’re, like, “You’re special.” He was one of them. I loved working with him. Honestly, you’re mentioning all of these shows that… You’re taking me back to such fond memories!

And I’m sure this qualifies as well, but I know many people are curious about your Karate Kid III / Cobra Kai experience.

Yes, another career highlight, another pinch-me moment when I got that movie. That was… Oh, my, I was such a huge fan of Karate Kid for obvious reasons, but when the audition came around, I didn’t think there was any way in the world I was going to get that role. But I got the audition, and then I had a callback and I met the director [John Avildsen], and…I didn’t know how intimidated I should have been by him. I didn’t realize he was the director of Rocky ! But I was just a kid. Anyway, then I did a screen test, and it was between me and Heather Graham. And I remember being on the lot and seeing her, and I was, like, “Oh, my gosh, that is one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen in my life. I am never going to get this! Oh, well…”

But then I got to do the scene with Ralph Macchio. They filmed it – they had us on camera, and they had it set up like we were actually on the set – and the experience was so cool and so intimidating, and I couldn’t believe I was doing a scene with Daniel LaRusso…and even better that I got it! [Laughs.] I just was, like, “I cannot believe this.” I still can’t believe it! I watched it recently with my daughter and I was, like, “I can’t believe that’s my name right there, alongside Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. There’s my name! What?! ”

So that was an incredible experience, and then to be able to do an episode of Cobra Kai was just… It was like a family reunion. We were all just screaming. We were so excited, and Billy [Zabka] and I have been friends forever, since I was a teenager. So he showed me all over, took me on set, showed me everything, gave me the full tour. It was really, really fun, and the cast is just incredible. Courtney [Henggeler] and I got along like two peas in a pod. She’s just exactly what you think she’d be, just as zany and kooky and fun and amazing and beautiful as she appears. She’s wonderful.

Lastly, you were in the episodes of JAG that were spun off to become NCIS .

Yes.

I’m sure you were less than thrilled when you found out that you weren’t actually going to be in the series.

Well, okay, so here’s the real story behind that. Of course, initially, I was stung and I was sad, and I was like, “Oh, gosh…” It was the first time I’d ever experienced that, not being picked with the show. But if I’m being brutally honest with you, I didn’t feel right in that role. It was the first time I got in a role that I was like, “I don’t feel like I’m right for this, but if they think I’m right, then okay.” I had just had my first child – I think he was three months old – and the hours were so intense. They were brutal, and my husband was on set with me in the trailer, and I was nursing my baby and…I remember on the weekends I would just hold my son and I would cry and I was like, “I just want to hold my baby. I just wanna hold my baby! ” And I’m just working and working.

So to be honest with you, it was a huge blessing. It was a blessing in disguise. And my mother was the one who pointed that out to me. She’s, like, “Robyn, I know this hurts, but this is meant to be. This is how it’s meant to be, and now you can be home with the baby.” And I know some of the women that came after me and they’re, like, “You dodged a bullet. It was brutal.” Because I thought, “Well, after the pilot, it’ll get better. The hours won’t be this bad.” No, it was consistently that challenging. So yeah, it hurt my ego. But it’s not one that I still look back on and go, “Oh, my gosh…” I mean, sure, I would have been a gazillionaire if I had, right? [Laughs.] But, you know, there are some things that you can’t put a price tag on. I had that time with my baby, and that’s everything to me.

Will Harris ( @NonStopPop ) has a longstanding history of doing long-form interviews with random pop culture figures for the A.V. Club, Vulture, and a variety of other outlets, including Variety. He’s currently working on a book with David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. (And don’t call him Shirley.)

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