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

The film industry mourns the loss of David Lynch, the visionary director known for his surreal neo-noir mystery films and the iconic TV series "Twin Peaks." Lynch passed away at the age of 78, as announced by his family on Facebook. They shared, "It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. 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.' It's a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."

Lynch had previously disclosed his battle with emphysema in 2024, a condition resulting from years of smoking. Despite this, he remained optimistic, stating, "Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco — the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them — but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire."

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch's career was marked by his distinctive style, starting with his first feature-length film, "Eraserhead" (1977), which became a midnight movie success. His talent was recognized with Academy Award nominations for Best Director for "The Elephant Man" (1980), "Blue Velvet" (1986), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). Lynch also directed "Wild at Heart" (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of "Dune," the latter achieving cult classic status despite its initial box office failure.

Perhaps his most iconic work, "Twin Peaks," captivated audiences in the early 90s with its mystery drama centered around FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's (Kyle MacLachlan) investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). Though canceled after two seasons, Lynch brought the series back with the 2017 limited series "Twin Peaks: The Return."

Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. DCU chief James Gunn tweeted, "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, screenwriter of "The Inheritance," "Soul Mates," and "The Au Pair Nightmare," expressed, "no one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."