Acclaimed Hollywood director and writer David Lynch, who revolutionised modern cinema with works that explored the dark undercurrents of human nature and the subconscious, has passed away at the age of 78. Known for his surreal and often unsettling films, some of Lynch’s groundbreaking works include cult classics such as Eraserhead (1977), Blue Velvet (1986), Mulholland Drive (2001), and the television series Twin Peaks.
Lynch had disclosed in August 2024 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema after years of smoking, and indicated that he would likely be unable to leave his home to direct any further. His family announced his death in a Facebook post, writing, “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.’”
The filmmaker’s work had earned him widespread admiration for its distinct visual style, haunting sound design, and exploration of the bizarre and mysterious aspects of everyday life. He was perhaps best known to television audiences for creating the iconic crime drama series Twin Peaks (1990), which won two Primetime Emmy awards and a Peabody Award in 1991.
Lynch has had a profound impact on both the horror and psychological thriller genres, earning him numerous accolades, including four Academy Award nominations over his more than six-decade career. His 1990 romantic thriller Wild at Heart won the prestigious Palme D'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2019, he received an honorary Academy Award in recognition of his body of work and contribution to cinema.
Mulholland Drive, featuring Naomi Watts in a breakout role, is regarded as one of Lynch's greatest achievements. The film earned widespread critical praise and garnered him his third Oscar nomination for Best Director, along with the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.