Legendary Director David Lynch, Known for 'Twin Peaks' and 'Mulholland Drive,' Passes Away

Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, celebrated for his iconic works Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, passed away at the age of 78.

His family shared the news via a Facebook post: “With profound sorrow, we, his family, announce the passing of David Lynch, both the man and the artist. We respectfully request privacy during this time. His absence leaves a significant void, but as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with radiant sunshine and clear blue skies.”

In 2024, Lynch publicly revealed an emphysema diagnosis stemming from years of smoking, stating his inability to continue directing. He shared at the time: "Yes, I have emphysema due to many years of smoking. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed smoking, and I truly love tobacco – its aroma, the act of lighting a cigarette, the smoking itself – but there's a price to pay for this pleasure, and for me, it's emphysema. I've quit smoking for over two years now. Recent tests show I'm in excellent health aside from the emphysema. I'm filled with happiness, and I will never retire."

Born in Missoula, Montana in 1946, Lynch gained fame for his surreal, neo-noir mystery films. His debut feature, 1977's Eraserhead, became a midnight movie sensation. He received 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, the latter initially a box office disappointment but later achieving cult classic status.

Lynch's legacy is perhaps most strongly associated with the early 1990s mystery drama series Twin Peaks, chronicling FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer. Though initially canceled after two seasons, Lynch resurrected the series with the 2017 limited series Twin Peaks: The Return.

Hollywood figures across directing, producing, and screenwriting have expressed their condolences on social media. James Gunn, head of DCU, tweeted: "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, screenwriter of various films, tweeted: "No one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."