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, the man and the artist. We respectfully request privacy during this time. His absence leaves a void, but as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with radiant sunshine and clear blue skies.”

In 2024, Lynch publicly revealed an emphysema diagnosis, a consequence of years of smoking, stating his inability to continue directing. He shared at the time: "Yes, I have emphysema due to many years of smoking. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed smoking; I truly love tobacco—its scent, lighting cigarettes, the act of smoking—but there's a price to pay, and for me, it's 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 will never retire."

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch gained recognition for his surreal neo-noir mystery 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). 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 indelibly linked to the early 1990s mystery drama series Twin Peaks, chronicling 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 The Inheritance, Soul Mates, and The Au Pair Nightmare, tweeted: "No one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."