David Lynch, the visionary US filmmaker behind iconic works like ‘Mulholland Drive’ and ‘Twin Peaks’, has passed away at the age of 78.
His family announced his death on his Facebook page on Thursday evening — although the cause of death was not revealed.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the post reads.
“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.”
Born in Missoula, Montana in 1946, Lynch went to art college in the 1960s. He moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and studied film-making at the AFI Conservatory, where he began filming his first feature Eraserhead.
Lynch’s remarkable career spanned over five decades, earning him three Best Director Oscar nominations for ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘The Elephant Man,’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’.
His last major project ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ aired in 2017, reviving the beloved TV series that originally captivated audiences in the early 1990s.
In an interview with the British film magazine Sight and Sound in August last year, Lynch revealed his battle with emphysema, a chronic lung disease caused by years of smoking.
Despite the diagnosis, the movie producer said he was in “excellent shape” and had no intention of retiring.
“I would do it remotely if it comes to it,” he said. “I wouldn’t like that so much.”
Lynch was married four times. He is survived by two daughters and two sons.
