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

David Lynch, the visionary director renowned for his surreal neo-noir films and the iconic TV series Twin Peaks, has passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the heartbreaking news via a heartfelt 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 this, he expressed a continued love for tobacco but emphasized his commitment to quitting, having stopped for over two years. He 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 left an indelible mark on cinema with his distinctive style. His debut feature, 1977's Eraserhead, became a cult classic and a midnight movie phenomenon. He received Academy Award nominations for Best Director for his work on the biographical drama The Elephant Man (1980), and the mystery films Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001). His filmography also includes Wild at Heart (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of Dune, the latter achieving cult status after a disappointing box office performance.

Lynch's most celebrated work, however, remains the early 90s mystery drama series Twin Peaks. The show, centered around FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's (Kyle MacLachlan) investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), captivated audiences despite being canceled after two seasons. Lynch later revived the series with the critically acclaimed 2017 limited series, Twin Peaks: The Return.

Following his death, 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 screenwriting, also paid homage, saying, "No one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."