Kyle MacLachlan shares his response to discovering his "SATC" character's humiliating condition

Kyle MacLachlan recently opened up about his surprise when he learned the direction the creators of Sex and the City had planned for his character, Trey MacDougal. Speaking on co-star Kristin Davis' Sex and the City podcast, MacLachlan joked, Just when you think you're free, they pull you back in. I was like, 'Oh, mother eff.'

MacLachlan portrayed Charlotte Yorks first husband on the hit series, appearing during seasons 3 and 4. While Trey MacDougal remains one of the shows most memorable spouses, MacLachlan admitted he was initially disheartened upon hearing the storyline for his role.

I havent rewatched it, but I remember it being good at the time. One of the strengths, especially in our scenes, was that the situation was funny and embarrassing. At the same time, the show handled it in a surprisingly thoughtful and educational way, he explained on Davis podcast Are You a Charlotte?

Trey initially appears as the perfect match for Charlotte, Davis refined character, but his insecurities and his overly dependent relationship with his mother, Bunny, soon come to light. The revelation of Trey's intimate challenge particularly shocked MacLachlan.

Recalling a casting meeting with creator Darren Star and executive producer Jenny Bicks, MacLachlan said they initially encouraged him to imagine Trey as a charming, somewhat conventional man. They said, 'Yeah, fine, but two things: he has a complicated relationship with his domineering mother, and hes impotent.'

Over Davis laughter, MacLachlan shared his reaction: I was like, 'Hes impotent?' Just when you think youre free, they pull you back in. I was like, 'Oh, mother eff.'

Despite the unexpected twist, MacLachlan accepted the role and appeared in multiple episodes across the shows third and fourth seasons. He reflected that Trey's condition didnt affect his decision: Its a talented cast, great writers, and the show was wildly popular, he noted.

MacLachlan, known for iconic roles in Twin Peaks, Desperate Housewives, and Sex and the City, has since embraced the humor in Trey's storyline. In 2024, he jokingly mentioned including adult comedies on a list of Treys favorite movies.

Fans can hear MacLachlans full conversation on Are You a Charlotte?

Author: Maya Henderson