Legendary filmmaker David Lynch has passed away, his family has confirmed on Facebook. The man behind cult classics of the last century including Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, The Elephant Man and the iconic series Twin Peaks was 78.
As per Deadline, Lynch was diagnosed with emphysema and, according to their sources, was recently forced to relocate from his house due to fires in Los Angeles.
Writing on the social platform, the family said:
“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 was nominated for an Oscar for his work as director on The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet. He was given the honorary Oscar in 2020.
Other works included Wild At Heart, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or in Cannes, as well as The Straight Story, Lost Highway and 1984’s Dune, among many others.
He also had acting roles in the likes of Lucky opposite Harry Dead Stanton (above) and, most recently in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelman’s as director John Ford. Spielberg also paid tribute on Facebook.
“I loved David’s films. Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and Elephant Man defined him as a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade. I got to know David when he played John Ford in The Fabelmans. Here was one of my heroes—David Lynch playing one of my heroes. It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of David’s own movies. The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and they always will.”
Other tributes came in from around the world on the news of his passing. Francis Ford Coppola said: “I am astounded and heartbroken I can’t express with any words the profound loss of the great David Lynch my friend.”
Filmmaker Edgar Wright also paid tribute on Instagram: “A director of singular vision, defined by his magical style and fascinating ambiguities. Though his work is one of a kind, he has inspired many to pick up a camera.”
RIP David Lynch.
