SEATTLE, WA — Oneida-born actress Jean Darcy continues her 50-year acting career with the recently released The Sound of Violet. The film is a romantic comedy about Sean, who believes she has found her soulmate in Violet. However, Sean has autism and his disability makes him unaware that Violet is a prostitute who is about to leave her profession.
According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interactions, and restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
Darcy plays Ruth, Sean’s mother, who helps her son find his own way.
“I think it’s a worthwhile film that helps clarify the meaning of autism,” said Darcy.
You can watch The Sound of Violet on Vudu on your Roku device, Prime Video, or Apple TV. Also available on Google Play, iTunes, and Amazon Instant Video.
Darcy may be best known for playing Sylvia Horne in four episodes of the popular television show Twin Peaks, which ran on ABC from 1989 to 1991. Her character also appeared in her first and last episode.
Sylvia Horne was married to Benjamin Horne, owner of the Great Northern Hotel and Horns Department Store and the richest man in Twin Peaks.
Sylvia Horne is distant from her daughter Audrey. Darcy’s character focused most of her attention on her mentally handicapped son Johnny, much like Shawn in “The Violet Sound”.
Sylvia appears on screen for a total of four minutes in four episodes, during which her character is frustrated with life and caring for her son.
During the show’s run, Darcy worked with prolific film and television director David Lynch, including the 1984 version of ‘Dune’ and ‘Eraserhead’ in ‘Blue Velvet’.
“David was a wonderful person to work with,” Darcy said. “In 1992, when Twin Peaks made the sequel, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, I was asked to return to Twin Peaks. I couldn’t say no, but then David Bowie came in and cut my part, but it was nice to work with David Lynch again.”
Darcy has since appeared in two episodes of Showtime’s follow-up series in 2017.
Darcy has also appeared in The X-Files and the 1993 film Alive. During her career, she has appeared in 35 movies and TV shows.
Darcy was born in Oneida on June 18, 1939, the daughter of George and Agnes Baltasnik, and was raised in Mannsville. She currently resides in Washington State and she holds dual citizenship of the United States and Canada.
“I think I still have family around Oneida, but my life is here,” she said.
