Twin Peaks director David Lynch dies aged 78
by Aisha Nozari · ChronicleLiveRenowned director David Lynch has passed away at 78, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking work such as Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet. His family shared the sad news on Facebook, stating: "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.'" In 2024, Lynch disclosed his battle with emphysema, attributing it to a lifelong smoking habit, which meant he could no longer leave home or direct.
Despite his condition, he remained positive, claiming to be in 'excellent shape' and expressing no intention to retire. Emphysema, a severe form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), results from long-term lung damage often linked to smoking. It leads to symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath due to damaged airways.
Lynch had confirmed his illness in August, citing 'many years of smoking' as the cause. In an interview with Sight and Sound Magazine, quoted by the Independent, Lynch revealed: "I've gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I'm homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.", reports the Mirror.
He also mentioned his inability to 'go out' due to the risk of Covid and that he can only 'walk a short distance' before running 'out of oxygen'. Lynch has opened up about the difficulties he faces with mobility, admitting that walking more than a few feet poses a significant challenge. He shared his concerns about Covid and expressed uncertainty about the future, stating: "We don't know what the future will bring, but we remain hopeful."
He also acknowledged that it's unlikely he'll direct another film, and if he does, he won't be able to do it on set. On Twitter, Lynch reflected on his emphysema diagnosis, attributing it to his past smoking habit, which he quit two years prior, calling it the 'price to pay'. Best known for creating Twin Peaks, Lynch's other notable works include Lost Highway and Mullholland Drive.
Born in Montana in 1946, Lynch pursued art in college during the 1960s and produced his first experimental short film, Six Men Getting Sick, while at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. In 1971, he relocated to Los Angeles to attend the AFI Conservatory, where he began work on his debut feature, Erasurehead.
His most recent project was the 2017 series Twin Peaks: The Return, which saw him reunite with original cast members Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Dana Ashbrook, Madchen Amick, and James Marshall, as well as frequent collaborators Laura Dern and Naomi Watts.
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