David Lynch, the visionary director behind cinematic masterpieces like Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, has passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the sad news via a Facebook post:
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. 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 publicly revealed an emphysema diagnosis, a consequence of lifelong smoking, and announced his inability to continue directing. He stated at the time:
"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."
Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch became renowned for his surreal, neo-noir films. His debut feature, 1977's Eraserhead, achieved midnight movie cult status. He garnered Academy Award nominations for Best Director for The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001). His directorial credits also include Wild at Heart (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of Dune, which, despite initial box office disappointment, later gained cult classic status.
However, Lynch is perhaps most celebrated for his groundbreaking 1990s mystery drama series, Twin Peaks, which followed FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigated the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). Though initially canceled after two seasons, Twin Peaks was resurrected with the 2017 limited series, Twin Peaks: The Return.
Tributes poured in from across Hollywood, with directors, producers, and screenwriters sharing their grief and admiration on social media. DCU chief James Gunn tweeted: "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, screenwriter of several films, tweeted: "no one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."
