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

David Lynch, the iconic filmmaker known for his surreal and neo-noir mystery films, has passed away at the age of 78. The announcement was made by his family via a heartfelt post on Facebook, requesting privacy during this difficult time. They honored his memory with a quote that encapsulated his unique perspective: "Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole."

In 2024, Lynch publicly shared his battle with emphysema, a condition he attributed to his long history of smoking. Despite his diagnosis, he remained optimistic and committed to his craft, stating, "I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire." He had ceased smoking for over two years prior to his announcement and emphasized that aside from emphysema, he was in excellent health.

David Lynch has died aged 78. Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images.

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch's career began with the cult classic "Eraserhead" in 1977. He garnered critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations for Best Director for films such as "The Elephant Man" (1980), "Blue Velvet" (1986), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). Other notable works include "Wild at Heart" (1990) and the adaptation of "Dune" (1984), which later gained a cult following despite its initial box office failure.

Lynch's most iconic contribution to television was the mystery drama series "Twin Peaks," which captivated audiences in the early 90s. The show, centered around FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer, was canceled after two seasons but was later revived with the 2017 limited series "Twin Peaks: The Return."

Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the film industry. DCU chief James Gunn expressed his admiration, tweeting, "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, known for his work on "The Inheritance," "Soul Mates," and "The Au Pair Nightmare," also paid homage, noting, "no one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."