David Lynch, who co-created “Twin Peaks” and directed films like ‘Blue Velvet’ and “Mulholland Drive,” has died. He was 78.
Lynch’s family confirmed his passing on social media on Thursday.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” their statement read. “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,’” Lynch’s family added. “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
The family did not confirm Lynch’s cause of death.
The famed writer-director was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, back in 2020.
In Nov. 2024, Lynch — who started smoking at age 8 but quit in 2022 — told People that he needed supplement oxygen to go on a walk.
What you sow is what you reap,” said Lynch. In the back of every smoker’s mind is the fact that it’s healthy, so you’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”
Lynch added 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.”
Lynch was born in 1946 in Missoula, Montana. He began his filmmaking career in the 1960s
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.