Legendary American singer and actor Michael Parks has passed away yesterday, May 9, 2017. Filmmaker Kevin Smith broke the news today on Instagram.
Twin Peaks fans will forever remember him as Jean Renault, the oldest of the Renault brothers and one of the slickest personalities in the town’s underworld of crime.
“Before you came here, Twin Peaks was a simple place. My brothers sold drugs to truck-drivers and teenagers. One-Eyed Jack’s welcomed curious tourists and businessmen. Quiet people lived quiet lives. Then a pretty girl dies. And you arrive. Everything changes. My brother Bernard is shot and left to die in the woods. A grieving father smothers my surviving brother with a pillow. Arson, kidnapping. More death and destruction. Suddenly the quiet people here are no longer quiet. Their simple dreams have become a nightmare. Maybe you brought the nightmare with you. And maybe, it will die with you.”
—Jean Renault
RIP Michael Parks – one of the greatest actors I ever directed. Amazing guy.
— Mark Frost (@mfrost11) May 10, 2017
Michael Parks sings a song on the Johnny Cash Show
https://www.instagram.com/p/BT6pvD2AONY/?taken-by=thatkevinsmith
Fire walk with 
I remember seeing Tusk the movie and recognizing “Jean Renault”! Afterwards I listened to some of his songs on Youtube. Very cool person, may he rest in peace.
How sad. Mr. Parks’ character was, in my opinion, under-utilized in the second season. That last speech quoted above revealed that he was more than just a standard “crime boss.”
Damn. We just watched the episode where Renault dies about three days ago.
that’s pretty crazy, but also very fortuitous.
I always hoped for a Union between Jacques Renault and Windom Earl. Both could have been The sinister Two on Twin Peaks Second Season after Leland passed away. Imagine Jean Renault being possessed by BOB.
“Imagine Jean Renault being possessed by BOB.”
Thanks a lot, pal. No more sleep for me… 😉