David Lynch, Director of Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, Dies at 78

David Lynch, the iconic director known for his surreal and enigmatic films such as Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, has passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the heartbreaking news through a poignant post on Facebook:

"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 disclosed his battle with emphysema, a condition resulting from years of smoking. Despite the diagnosis, he remained optimistic and determined to continue his work. He stated:

"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 gained fame for his surreal neo-noir mystery films. His debut feature, Eraserhead (1977), became a cult classic and a midnight movie phenomenon. Lynch received Academy Award nominations for Best Director for his work on the biographical drama The Elephant Man (1980), as well as for the mystery films Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001). Other notable works include Wild at Heart (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of Dune, which, despite initial commercial failure, later achieved cult status.

Lynch's most renowned project, however, is the early 90s mystery drama series Twin Peaks. The show follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigates the murder of local teenager Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). Although canceled after two seasons, Twin Peaks was revived in 2017 with the limited series 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, screenwriter of The Inheritance, Soul Mates, and The Au Pair Nightmare, honored Lynch, saying, "no one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."