Lynch, Mastermind Behind 'Twin Peaks' and 'Mulholland Drive,' Passes

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

His family shared the news via a Facebook post:

“With profound sadness, we, his family, announce the passing of David Lynch, both the man and the artist. We request privacy during this time. His absence leaves a 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, expressing his inability to continue directing. He stated:

"Yes, I have emphysema due to many years of smoking. I must say I greatly enjoyed smoking, and I truly love tobacco—its scent, lighting cigarettes, smoking them—but there's a price, and for me, that price is emphysema. I've quit smoking for over two years. Recent tests show I'm in excellent health aside from the emphysema. I'm filled with happiness and will never retire."

Born in Missoula, Montana in 1946, Lynch gained fame for his surreal neo-noir films. His debut feature, 1977's Eraserhead, achieved midnight movie success. He received Academy Award nominations for Best Director for The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001). He also directed 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 90s mystery series Twin Peaks, which follows 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 expressed their grief and paid tribute 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."