Due to emphysema.
Photo credit: David Lynch – Facebook
David Lynch, the director who bridged the gap between avant-garde cinema and mainstream success, has passed away at age 78. In 2024, Lynch revealed his emphysema diagnosis, a result of lifelong smoking, which had confined him to his home and ended his directing career.
His family announced his passing on social media with a characteristically Lynchian touch: “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.”
A cinematic pioneer whose influence spans five decades, David Lynch crafted a distinct visual language that transformed storytelling across media. His surrealist masterpiece ‘Eraserhead’ and the genre-defining ‘Twin Peaks’ challenged conventional narratives while earning both critical acclaim.
Lynch earned three Academy Award nominations for Best Director and received an honorary Oscar in 2019. His series ‘Twin Peaks’ revolutionized television storytelling, while films like ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Wild at Heart,’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’ redefined cinematic expression.
Beyond filmmaking, Lynch established the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace, created visual art, composed music, and delighted fans with his daily weather report on YouTube.
The director’s range shone through works from the moving ‘The Elephant Man’ to the enigmatic ‘Lost Highway’. His ability to merge the surreal with the familiar created a style that continues to inspire generations.
