Legendary Director Lynch Passes Away at 78: 'Twin Peaks,' 'Mulholland Drive' Mastermind

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

In 2024, Lynch publicly revealed an emphysema diagnosis resulting from years of smoking, stating his inability to continue directing. He shared at the time: "Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I enjoyed smoking immensely, and I love tobacco — the smell, lighting cigarettes, smoking them — but there's a price, and for me, it's emphysema. I've quit for over two years. Recent tests show I'm in excellent health except for the emphysema. I'm filled with happiness, and I will never retire."

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch gained fame for his surreal, neo-noir mystery films. His directorial debut, 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 filmography also includes Wild at Heart (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of Dune, the latter initially a box office disappointment but later gaining cult classic status.

Lynch is perhaps best remembered for the groundbreaking 1990s mystery series Twin Peaks, which follows 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.

Tributes poured in from across Hollywood on social media. DCU head James Gunn tweeted: "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, screenwriter of several films, tweeted: "No one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."