Jack Nance played Pete Martell, the Twin Peaks resident who discovers Laura Palmer’s body.
Pete finds Laura wrapped in plastic on the shore near the town’s sawmill in the opening sequence, then reports the discovery. This moment launches the central investigation of the original series and establishes Pete as an important witness.
Pete Martell is a longtime employee and associate of the Packard Sawmill, and his relationship with Catherine Martell places him inside the town’s business conflicts. He is also known for his eccentric interests, including chess and an affection for the outdoors.
Jack Nance had a long creative partnership with David Lynch before Twin Peaks, appearing in Eraserhead and other Lynch projects. Nance returned as Pete in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and Twin Peaks: The Return.