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

David Lynch, the visionary director renowned for his work on "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive," has passed away at the age of 78. The announcement was made by his family 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 revealed his battle with emphysema, a condition he attributed to his long history of smoking. Despite this, he remained optimistic and committed to his craft. 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 made a significant impact on cinema with his surreal neo-noir mystery films. His debut feature, "Eraserhead" (1977), became a cult classic and a midnight movie phenomenon. Lynch earned 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). Other notable directorial efforts include "Wild at Heart" (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of "Dune," which, despite an initial box office flop, later gained a dedicated following.

Lynch's most iconic creation, 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 before being canceled after two seasons. Lynch later revived the series with the critically acclaimed limited series "Twin Peaks: The Return" in 2017.

Following the news of Lynch's passing, tributes poured in from the film industry. DCU chief James Gunn expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Screenwriter Joe Russo, known for "The Inheritance," "Soul Mates," and "The Au Pair Nightmare," tweeted, "No one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."