Legendary director and writer David Lynch has died at the age of 78. Best known for his iconic and impactful films, such as “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” and his popular television series "Twin Peaks," Lynch influenced new generations of filmmakers by creating storylines and universes with elements of horror, film noir, and surrealism that broke into the mainstream consciousness.
“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us," his family stated, announcing the news of his death. "But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.'" The director opened up about his emphysema diagnosis in 2024, as he was not able to direct any longer.
The acclaimed director shared his thoughts about filmmaking, and how his movies were driven by higher consciousness. “Life is a 24/7 movie. There are billions of ideas swimming around, you just have to catch them," he explained to The Talks in 2014. "When you are working on a painting, it’s like you know, and you enjoy the doing so much. It’s the same way with films," he said at the time.
"The enjoyment of working increases, the enjoyment of everything increases. The ideas are flowing, and the feeling that you can get it to feel correct. You know what that is. It’s a knowingness that grows. It’s really beautiful," Lynch said to the publication.
Born Jan. 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, Lynch focused on painting for years before his 1977 feature debut “Eraserhead." Lynch went on to write and direct “The Elephant Man," earning eight Academy Award nominations, including his first for best director. In 1986 his film “Blue Velvet” was honored with the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, and in 1990 he stepped into television with “Twin Peaks."