The world of filmmaking is in deep mourning as David Lynch, one of its most respected and talented members has passed away. The filmmaker and artist has died at the age of 78.
Known for co-creating the hit TV series 'Twin Peaks' with writer Mark Frost and directing films such as 'Mulholland Drive,' 'Eraserhead,' and 'The Elephant Man,' his surreal work has been celebrated by many for its eccentricities as well as their unique way of eliciting emotion.
After the success of his directorial debut, 'Eraserhead,' in 1977, he was hired by Mel Brooks to direct the 1980 drama, 'The Elephant Man,' starring John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins, which earned multiple Academy Award nominations.
He then went on to direct the 1984 adaptation of 'Dune,' which introduced him to longtime collaborator, Kyle MacLachlan, who would go on to star in his next project, the Academy Award-nominated 'Blue Velvet,' and the hit TV series 'Twin Peaks.'
He is also responsible for launching the careers of stars like MacLachlan, Isabella Rosselini, and Naomi Watts.
His family announced his death on Facebook, writing "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 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...
In 2024, Lynch revealed in an interview with Sight and Sound magazine that he had been suffering from emphysema after decades of chain-smoking. However, after the interview sparked concern among his fans, he reiterated that he was in good health despite his condition and that he would likely never retire.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024
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…
He reportedly started smoking at the age of 8 and stopped in 2020 after his diagnosis.
He told People magazine that "it's tough living with emphysema. I can hardly walk across a room. It's like you're walking around with a plastic bag around your head."
Along with his filmmaking, Lynch leaves behind decades of paintings, photography, music and advocacy for the benefits of transcendental meditation (TM).
A lifelong practitioner of the meditation technique, he founded the David Lynch Foundation in 2005, the charity's main purpose was to fund the teaching of TM in schools as well as teaching it to those with mental health issues.
They have reportedly sponsored approximately 70,000 and 150,000 students in 350 schools across the Americas. Lynch is survived by his four children and will deeply missed by cinephiles and artists alike.
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