Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive Director David Lynch Dies Aged 78

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 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 in the world. However, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day, bathed in golden 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 then:

"Yes, I have emphysema due to my long history of smoking. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed smoking, and I truly love tobacco – its scent, the act of lighting a cigarette, the smoking itself – but there's a price to pay for this pleasure, and for me, that price is 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 have no intention of retiring."

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, centered on FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's (Kyle MacLachlan) investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). Though initially canceled after two seasons, Lynch resurrected the series with the 2017 limited series Twin Peaks: The Return.

Hollywood figures, including directors, producers, and screenwriters, 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 The Inheritance, Soul Mates, and The Au Pair Nightmare, tweeted: "No one saw the world quite like David Lynch. The world lost a cinematic master today."