Catherine Elisabeth Coulson (November 18, 1943 - September 28, 2015) was an American actress, director, and assistant director. She is best known for her work on the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks, where she portrayed the mysterious Log Lady. She was also an assistant director on the classic films The Andromeda Strain and The Parallax View.
Coulson was born in Oregon City, Oregon. She was raised in a Catholic household and attended Oregon City High School. After high school, she attended the University of Oregon, where she earned a degree in theatre arts.
Coulson began her career as a stage actress, appearing in productions of such plays as "The Seagull" and "The Cherry Orchard" at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She was also a founding member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Green Show, an improvisational group in which she was known as "The Log Lady".
In the 1970s, Coulson began appearing in TV and film, most notably in the cult hit Twin Peaks. She played the mysterious Log Lady, a character who appeared to have supernatural powers and communicated with a log. The character was a fan favorite.
In addition to her acting work, Coulson was also an assistant director on several films. She worked on The Andromeda Strain (1971), The Parallax View (1974), and the horror classic The Fog (1980).
Throughout her career, Coulson was involved in numerous charitable causes. She was an advocate for the environment and worked with various animal rights organizations. She was also an active member of the Democratic Party.
Coulson passed away on September 28, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, actor Malcolm McDowell, and their two children, Charlie and Lilly.
Catherine E. Coulson was a beloved actress and assistant director whose work was deeply appreciated and respected. She will be remembered for her performances in Twin Peaks, The Andromeda Strain, and The Parallax View, as well as her charitable work and activism.
