Acclaimed film director, writer and artist David Lynch has passed away, aged 78.
His passing was confirmed by his family on Lynch’s official Facebook page on Friday morning (local time).
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the post 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. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole’.
“It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
The news comes after Lynch was diagnosed with emphysema in November 2023, speaking publicly about his diagnosis to urge people to quit smoking.
“I can hardly walk across a room,” he told The Guardian.
“It’s like you’re walking around with a plastic bag around your head.”
Lynch is renowned for his contribution to American cinema and television. He had a knack for creating visually captivating scenes that could simultaneously be beautiful, worrying and incredibly bizarre.
His first ever film was Eraserhead in 1997, but his most acclaimed works were the 1990 drama series Twin Peaks and 2001’s surrealist neo-noir mystery Mulholland Drive.
In 2019, he received an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievements.
Lynch was married four times. He is survived by his wife Emily Stolfe and children Lula, Jennifer, Austin Jack and Riley.
RIP to an icon.
