‘You Are No Longer Welcome’: Laura Dern Reflects on Leaving UCLA Just After ‘Two Days’ To Star In David Lynch’s Blue Velvet

On the podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” hosted by Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson, Dern recalled, “I was 17 and thrilled to attend UCLA. I spent only two days there before being given the opportunity to act in ‘Blue Velvet’ after auditioning.”

During that period, I was deeply engaged in my psychology and journalism studies at UCLA. Eager to gain some real-world experience in filmmaking, I approached the head of the department with a humble request to take a brief leave from my academic pursuits. Alas, my proposal was met with a firm rejection. Determined not to let this setback dampen my spirit, I assured him that I would diligently complete all pending assignments and even enroll in additional classes upon my return. However, the UCLA staff remained steadfast in their decision, leaving me no choice but to explore alternative avenues to realize my filmmaking dreams.

Dern remembered their discussion when she mentioned, “I brought up this prospect and he replied, ‘I’d be happy to review the script if you insists on giving it to me, but I must tell you, granting you a leave of absence isn’t an option. It’s not feasible. It’s not a matter of life or death,'”

Laura Dern had to leave ULCA for the Blue Velvet 

When the department head finished reviewing my script at UCLA, I was summoned to their office with a stern warning. They bluntly stated, “If you decide to pursue this acting career based on this script, I’m sad to say that your time here will come to an end.” They continued, “Furthermore, given the content of this script, giving up your college education for it seems utterly irrational.”

The film “Blue Velvet,” featuring Isabella Rossellini and Kyle MacLachlan in its cast, has gained classic status. Notably, it’s included in UCLA’s curriculum, as mentioned by Dern.

Laura Dern expressed her disappointment that the movie “Blue Velvet,” which she only filmed at UCLA for two days, is now mandatory viewing for master’s students in film at the university.

Blue Velvet is available to stream on Prime Video.