David Lynch has died (Picture: Getty)
David Lynch has died aged 78, his family confirmed.
The celebrated director was behind the likes of Mulholland Drive, Elephant Man and beloved TV show Twin Peaks.
Confirming the news of his death, Lynch’s family wrote on Facebook: ‘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.’
Last year, Lynch revealed he had been diagnosed with emphysema after decades of smoking, and said that he was homebound.
The celebrated director was behind the likes of Mulholland Drive, Elephant Man and beloved TV show Twin Peaks. (Picture: Steve Granitz/WireImage)
However, in August, after concerns from fans, he insisted he wouldn’t let the disease result in his retirement.
At the time, he wrote on X: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking.
‘I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema.
‘I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema.
Lynch revealed he had been diagnosed with emphysema last year (Picture: Everett/Shutterstock)
At the time, he said he would ‘never retire’ (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
‘I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire.
‘I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern. Love, David.’
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, according to the NHS website.
Born in Missoula, Montana, Lynch has been Oscar-nominated four times including two nods for 1980’s The Elephant Man for directing and adapted screenplay, and two more directing nominations for 1986’s Blue Velvet and 2001’s Mulholland Drive.
Lynch was a four-time Oscar nominee (Picture: Propaganda/Polygram/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Some of his other directing credits included 1984’s Dune, 1990’s Wild At Heart, 1997’s Lost Highway, 1999’s The Straight Story and 2006’s Inland Empire. (Picture: Kobal/Shutterstock)
Some of his other directing credits included 1984’s Dune, 1990’s Wild At Heart, 1997’s Lost Highway, 1999’s The Straight Story and 2006’s Inland Empire.
In 2019, he received an honorary Academy Award which recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry but have not yet won an Oscar.
Among his numerous accolades across his 58-year career, Lynch won the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement award in 2006.
Lynch co-created the mystery drama Twin Peaks with Mark Frost which ran for two series between 1990 and 1991.
He also returned to develop and write Twin Peaks: The Return, which was released in 2017.
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