David Lynch, the visionary director celebrated for his distinctive and surreal works such as Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed the news through his official Facebook page.

“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.”

Lynch spoke to Sight & Sound Magazine in September 2024 and  revealed “I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”

David Lynch (1946–2025) was an iconic American filmmaker, artist, and musician, renowned for his surreal and often unsettling approach to storytelling. Born on January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, Lynch’s early years were marked by an interest in painting, which he pursued at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His fascination with blending visuals and narrative led him to filmmaking, culminating in his breakout feature, Eraserhead (1977), a nightmarish exploration of industrial alienation that became a cult classic.

Lynch gained mainstream recognition with The Elephant Man (1980), a poignant biographical drama that earned him multiple Academy Award nominations. He further cemented his reputation with Blue Velvet (1986), a provocative exploration of suburban darkness, and the groundbreaking TV series Twin Peaks (1990–1991). The latter, co-created with Mark Frost, became a cultural phenomenon, blending mystery, horror, and absurdist humor in a way that redefined television.

His filmography is characterized by its dreamlike imagery. Notable works include Mulholland Drive (2001), considered one of the greatest films of the 21st century, and Lost Highway (1997). He also dabbled in music, photography, and painting, releasing albums and exhibiting his artwork internationally.

In 2017, Lynch returned to Twin Peaks with a critically acclaimed third season. He was a recipient of numerous honors, including an Honorary Academy Award in 2019.

Lynch was married four times and had four children.

Rest in Peace.