David Lynch, the visionary director known for surreal masterpieces like "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks," died Wednesday at age 78, his family announced. The acclaimed filmmaker had been battling emphysema in recent years.
His family shared the news via Facebook, writing: "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.'"
Lynch's health reportedly declined after being evacuated from his Los Angeles home due to recent wildfires in Southern California. He had quit smoking two years ago after being diagnosed with emphysema.
Over a career spanning six decades, Lynch created some of cinema's most distinctive and haunting works, beginning with his 1977 debut "Eraserhead." His other acclaimed films included "The Elephant Man" (1980), "Blue Velvet" (1986), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). The groundbreaking television series "Twin Peaks" (1990-1991, 2017) revolutionized television storytelling with its mysterious narrative and dreamlike atmosphere.
Lynch earned four Academy Award nominations throughout his career, including three for Best Director. In 2019, he received an Honorary Academy Award celebrating his lifetime achievements in film.
Beyond filmmaking, Lynch was an accomplished musician, releasing 11 albums since 2007. He was also a painter, photographer, and advocate for Transcendental Meditation.
Musicians and artists have been paying tribute to Lynch's legacy. Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins remembered him as "a true artist," while Ringo Starr shared his condolences on social media. Sting, who worked with Lynch on "Dune" (1984), called him "a modern giant of the avant-garde."
Born in Missoula, Montana, Lynch studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Los Angeles in 1971 to pursue filmmaking at the AFI Conservatory. His unique visual style and storytelling approach, often described as "Lynchian," influenced generations of creators across multiple art forms.