Legendary director, writer and composer David Lynch has passed away at the age of 78.
The visionary filmmaker whose dark, stylistic touch brought us the world of Twin Peaks, as well as Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead, Blue Velvet and the original film version of Dune, had announced in 2024 that he was diagnosed with emphysema, after a lifetime of smoking.
Lynch's family announced his death on Facebook, 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. 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.”
They added, "It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."
Throughout his career, Lynch was known for blending elements of noir, horror and surrealism into his work, which was recognized in 2019 for an Honorary Academy Award. He also received Oscar nominations for Best Director in 1980 for The Elephant Man, 1986 for Blue Velvet and 2001 for Mulholland Drive.
He was also nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for the groundbreaking TV series, Twin Peaks, which he created with producer Mark Frost.
In addition to filmmaking, Lynch was an occasional actor who had a recurring part on Twin Peaks as FBI agent Gordon Cole, among other roles.
Lynch was also heavily involved in the music world, recording three studio albums, two collaborative studio albums, six soundtrack albums (including Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me and Lost Highway), and two spoken-word albums.
He stepped behind the camera for a number of music videos as well, most notably directing Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game," Nine Inch Nails' "Came Back Haunted" and his own, "Crazy Clown Time."
Lynch is survived by his two daughters and two sons.