Legendary filmmaker David Lynch, best known for his groundbreaking works such as Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, has passed away at the age of 78.
The news of his death was announced on Thursday in a statement shared by his family on Facebook.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the 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.”
Lynch, a master of surrealist cinema, was born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946. His unique storytelling style and visually arresting films earned him a devoted global following. His career began with the 1977 cult classic Eraserhead, a midnight movie phenomenon that set the tone for his future work.
Lynch’s impact on cinema and television was profound, with his iconic series Twin Peaks redefining TV storytelling in the 1990s and his films such as Blue Velvet and The Elephant Man solidifying his place as a creative visionary.
The director had publicly disclosed his battle with emphysema last year, attributing it to decades of smoking. However, Lynch had reassured fans in August that he was in good spirits and had no plans to retire.
“Ladies and gentlemen, yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have now quit smoking for over two years. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) at the time.
