David Lynch, the visionary director behind iconic works such as Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, has passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, requesting privacy during this difficult time. They poignantly remarked, "There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."
In 2024, Lynch revealed his battle with emphysema, a condition he attributed to his long history of smoking. Despite the diagnosis, he remained optimistic and shared, "Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco — the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them — but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire."
David Lynch has died aged 78. Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images.
Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch's career was defined by his unique approach to surreal neo-noir mystery films. His debut feature, Eraserhead (1977), became a cult classic and set the stage for his future successes. Lynch earned Academy Award nominations for Best Director for The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001). He also directed Wild at Heart (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of Dune, which, despite its initial box office failure, later gained cult status.
Lynch's most celebrated work is arguably the mystery drama series Twin Peaks, which premiered in the early 90s. The series, centered around FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's (Kyle MacLachlan) investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), was canceled after two seasons but was revived in 2017 with the critically acclaimed Twin Peaks: The Return.
Following the announcement of Lynch's passing, tributes poured in from across the film industry. DCU chief James Gunn tweeted, "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, known for his work on The Inheritance, Soul Mates, and The Au Pair Nightmare, also paid homage, stating, "no one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."
