Twin Peaks' maker David Lynch passes away at 78: tributes pour in

American filmmaker David Lynch passed away from complications related to emphysema, a chronic lung condition he attributed to years of heavy smoking

Celebrated American filmmaker known for his surreal storytelling and hauntingly unique style, David Lynch has died at the age of 78. Lynch, whose works like "Mulholland Drive" and "Twin Peaks" explored the darker layers of human existence, passed away from complications related to emphysema, a chronic lung condition he attributed to years of heavy smoking.  

 

Lynch’s family announced his death through a statement on his official Facebook page, saying, “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.’” The family also requested privacy during this time.   

 

Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.  In memory of David Lynch, we will continue to explore the otherworldly and the unknown. We will focus not on the loss, but on what we gained from the years we shared this planet with you. We will see you in our dreams. pic.twitter.com/PRZkYKkcsN

— NASA (@NASA) January 16, 2025

 

David Lynch death: A trailblazer in cinema

 

Born in Montana in 1946, Lynch began his artistic journey as a painter before transitioning to filmmaking. His debut feature, "Eraserhead" (1977), a nightmarish exploration of fatherhood, marked his arrival as a groundbreaking voice in indie cinema. Over the years, he crafted films that challenged conventional storytelling, including "Blue Velvet" (1986), "Wild at Heart" (1990), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). Each of these earned him critical acclaim and cemented his reputation as a cinematic auteur.   

RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KkZ1WgmzyV

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) January 16, 2025

 

Lynch’s foray into television with "Twin Peaks" in the 1990s was equally transformative. The series, with its eerie narrative of small-town secrets, set the stage for the modern era of prestige television. In 2017, he revisited the series with "Twin Peaks: The Return", receiving widespread praise for its innovative storytelling.  

 

Throughout his career, Lynch received four Oscar nominations, including three for Best Director. Though he never won a competitive Academy Award, he was honoured with an honorary Oscar in 2019 for his contributions to cinema.  

 

David Lynch death: Tributes from Hollywood

  

The film industry has responded to Lynch’s death with an outpouring of tributes. Director Steven Spielberg hailed him as “a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade.” Ron Howard described Lynch as a “fearless artist” whose bold experimentation left an indelible mark on cinema. Lynch’s legacy extends beyond filmmaking. He was a painter, musician, and sculptor, leaving behind a rich and varied body of work that will continue to inspire future generations. 

RIP David Lynch  Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks are great examples of his surrealistic visionary genius. But I love his moments of great beauty. The Romeo and Juliet scene in The Elephant Man will break your heart. Nobody understood outcasts quite like David Lynch. pic.twitter.com/LlTIV081ro

— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) January 16, 2025

 

As his "Twin Peaks" collaborator Chrystabell wrote, “I join you in the depths of this grief… celebrating someone who is singular and irreplaceable.”