'Twin Peaks' star Pamela Gidley passes away aged 52

Pamela Gidley passed away at her home in Seabrook on April 16. The cause of her death is not yet known.
UPDATED JAN 23, 2020
Pamela Gidley (R) (Source: Getty Images)
Pamela Gidley (R) (Source: Getty Images)

Pamela Gidley, best known for starring in 'Twin Peaks' prequel 'Fire Walk With Me' passed away earlier this month at the age of 52, her family has announced. The actress' death was announced in an obituary, which stated that she 'died peacefully' in her home in Seabrook on April 16. The cause of death is not yet clear.

Gidley was primed for show business at an early age, winning 'New England's Little Miss Lovely' aged just four, and later going on to participate and win in several other competitions. 

Gidley's career practically took off after she was crowned as the 'Most Beautiful Girl in the World' by Wilhemina Modeling Agency in 1985 and has since appeared in numerous films and television shows. Her 1985 debut film, 'Thrashin,' saw her appear alongside Josh Brolin and Robert Rusler, and is now a cult classic. She would go on to strike a close relationship with the former.

Brolin reacted to news of the actress' death on his Instagram where he described his memories of her: "My co-star in "Thrashin," and my girlfriend twice in a lifetime. Amazing and innocent memories of her: a spitfire, and a truly funny person she was."

"I remember is being in bed (I was 17) and hearing the radio come on saying that the Challenger had just exploded. These milestones in your life: amazing people to grace us with their spirit, their presence. She will have forever affected mine. Thank you for the gift of you, Pam. Rest In Peace beautiful girl."

Gidley (R) died on April 16 (Source: Giulio Marcocchi /Getty Images)

After Thrashin' Gidley starred in several films in the 80s including 'The Blue Iguana' and cult sci-fi classic 'Cherry 2000,' but it was David Lynch's psychological horror film 'Twin Peaks' prequel that put her on the map. She also made a name for herself in action-adventure series 'MacGyver' and for playing a recurring role as Brigitte Parker in 'The Pretender.'

According to the obituary, besides her mother, Phyllis M. Gidley, she is survived by her brothers, Glenn Gidley of Salem, N.H., Daniel Gidley and his wife Darlene of Hampton, and Brian Gidley of Haverhill, Mass., nephews and nieces, Adam, Keegan, Erica and Alexis Gidley.

The family has announced that the services will be held in private. Flowers and donations can be made to 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or NH SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885.

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