David Lynch, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive director, dies aged 78
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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.
![[HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: David Lynch arrives at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on October 27, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236206865-d1ce.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘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.’.
![[No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only. No Book Cover Usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Everett/Shutterstock (14195817a) DAVID LYNCH - THE ART LIFE, David Lynch, 2016. ?Janus Films/courtesy Everett Collection David Lynch - The Art Life - 2016]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236207005-df99-e1737053064721.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Last year, Lynch revealed he had been diagnosed with emphysema after decades of smoking, and said that he was homebound. 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.
![[HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: David Lynch speaks onstage during the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on October 27, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236206869-8bf0.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘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.
![[Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Propaganda/Polygram/Kobal/Shutterstock (5871056a) David Lynch David Lynch - 1990 Propaganda/Polygram Portrait]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236207034-0051-e1737053136893.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘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.
![[Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kobal/Shutterstock (5861933a) David Lynch David Lynch (c1989) On/Off Set]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236207023-d1e0-e1737053798156.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
