David Lynch, director of Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, dies aged 78: 'Could hardly move'

David Lynch, the iconic director behind Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, to name a few, has died at the age of 78. The director revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, after a lifetime of smoking, and would be unlikely to be able to leave his house to work.

David's family took to Facebook to share the sad news, writing, "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.

RELATED:

• Fans react to Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s steamy show of affection

• Tyra Banks' secret Australian life: America's Next Top Model host living Down Under

• Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky faces more backlash after controversial Instagram post

"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."

The director, who smoked from age eight and quit in 2022, told People that he needed supplement oxygen for anything more strenuous than a walk across the room.

David told the publication he hoped to warn other smokers about the dangers that it can bring.

"In the back of every smoker’s mind is the fact that it’s unhealthy, so you’re literally playing with fire," he said. "It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit."

Over the years, the director tried to quit “many, many times, but when it got tough, I’d have that first cigarette, and it was a one-way trip to heaven," he said. "Then you’re back smoking again."

While he was diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, it took him two more years to quit smoking.

"I saw the writing on the wall. and it said, 'You’re going to die in a week if you don’t stop,'" he said. "I could hardly move without gasping for air. Quitting was my only choice."

He added that he hoped his message would get through to other smokers, saying, "I really wanted to get this across: Think about it. You can quit these things that are going to end up killing you."

David Lynch's career

David's first feature-length film was 1977's Eraserhead, which he followed up with 1980's The Elephant Man, which starred John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins and was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Director.

He directed the original Dune in 1984, but it didn't perform as well as the more recent version starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

David created Twin Peaks with Mark Frost in 1990, which spawned a movie prequel, and several other versions, including a 2017 series of the same name.

2001's Mulholland Drive would win him the Best Director award at Cannes Film Festival.

The director was a four-time Oscar nominee and received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2020.

David was married four times, he and Peggy Lentz were together from 1968 to 1974, he then married Mary Fisk from 1977 to 1987, then Mary Sweeney from 2006 to 2007, and his last marriage was to Emily Stofle from 2009 to 2023.

He is survived by four children: Jennifer Lynch, Austin Jack Lynch, Riley Sweeney Lynch, and Lula Boginia Lynch.

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.