Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, celebrated for his singular vision in movies such as Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead, and the groundbreaking series Twin Peaks, has passed away at the age of 78. Lynch had revealed in August that he was battling emphysema after years of smoking and had been staying home due to concerns about COVID-19.
His family announced the news on social media but did not specify the date of his death. The post reads: “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. 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.”

Lynch’s work defied classification, blending surrealism with horror and noir elements in ways few dared to attempt. Critics often compared his style to that of Luis Buñuel or Salvador Dalí, though his films stood apart as uniquely his own. Often exploring unsettling themes through dreamlike narratives, Lynch’s stories juxtaposed the banal with the grotesque, leaving audiences both mesmerised and disoriented.
Born in Missoula, Montana, on 20 January 1946, David Keith Lynch had a childhood marked by frequent moves due to his parents’ professions. Despite a supportive and loving family, Lynch described himself as an unremarkable student who found his calling in art. After attending several art schools, he discovered filmmaking with the experimental short Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times), which earned him a place at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

Lynch’s feature debut, Eraserhead (1977), became a cult phenomenon, praised for its stark black-and-white visuals and haunting narrative. Its success led to The Elephant Man (1980), a poignant biographical film that earned eight Academy Award nominations, including two for Lynch himself. However, his next venture, the science-fiction epic Dune (1984), proved to be a misstep, with studio interference compromising his vision. Lynch rebounded with Blue Velvet (1986), a dark exploration of human nature that cemented his reputation as a master filmmaker.
His foray into television with Twin Peaks marked another milestone. Premiering in 1990, the series became a cultural phenomenon, known for its mysterious narrative and eccentric characters. However, its success waned when Lynch stepped away during the second season, though it later found renewed interest through a 2017 revival.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lynch regained critical recognition with Mulholland Drive (2001), a surreal examination of Hollywood and identity that many consider his finest achievement. Despite receiving multiple Oscar nominations during his career, Lynch never won a competitive Academy Award, though he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in 2019.

Filmmakers like Midsommar‘s Ari Aster and The Green Knight‘s David Lowery have Lynch him as an inspiration, and his distinct style reshaped modern cinema. In addition to his film and TV contributions, Lynch made occasional acting appearances, most recently portraying director John Ford in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans (2022).
Lynch is survived by his four children, including Jennifer Lynch, a filmmaker in her own right. His legacy endures through his transformative contributions to cinema and the countless artists he inspired.