Catherine Coulson, the Log Lady on David Lynch's short-lived cult classic, "Twin Peaks," died on Monday morning from cancer at the age of 71. Coulson was set to play her character, Margaret Lanterman, again on the upcoming Showtime version of the "Twin Peaks" series.

"We are all deeply sad, she meant so much to so many," said her agent, Mary Dangerfield, according to Variety.

Lynch said in a statement: "Today I lost one of my dearest friends, Catherine Coulson. Catherine was solid gold. She was always there for her friends - she was filled with love for all people - for her family - for her work. She was a tireless worker. She had a great sense of humor - she loved to laugh and make people laugh. She was a spiritual person - a longtime TM meditator. She was the Log Lady."

Coulson brought the Log Lady back in "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" and an episode of USA Network's "Psych."  She also appeared in a recent episode of "Portlandia" and in the film "Redwood Highway."

The idea of Log lady came up when Coulson was working with Lynch on his 1977 debut feature, "Eraserhead," where Coulson was the assistant director. Coulson said her character was the "only normal person on the show," but that she's "had some trauma and bonded with this Ponderosa pine," according to Variety.

   

Prior to "Eraserhead," Coulson appeared in Lynch's 1974 short film, "The Amputee." She also did some camera work, including first or second assistant camera on "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "Modern Romance," 'Youngblood" and "Night on Earth."

Coulson also appeared in many plays for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, including "August, Osage County," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Hamlet" and "Chicago." The troupe released a statement from OSF Artistic Director Bill Rauch that read in part: "Artist, artisan, administrator or audience member, you knew that you were part of the Festival once you were welcomed by Catherine. Her generosity of spirit was only matched by her vibrancy as an actor; she shone onstage in her every appearance. We will miss her with all our hearts."

Coulson leaves behind a husband, Marc Sirinsky, and a daughter.

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