David Lynch: The director leaves a “big hole”

With works like “Twin Peaks,” David Lynch (1946-2025) immortalized himself in the hearts of many film and series fans decades ago. The unique filmmaker has now passed away at the age of 78, according to his . “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and artist David Lynch,” the deceased’s official profile reads.

The short post goes on to explain: “He’s leaving 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 the hole.'” It’s until at the end “a wonderful day with golden sunshine and blue skies”. Lynch’s family requests privacy during this difficult time.

Lynch was born in 1946 in Missoula, Montana. In his long career, the artist made a big name for himself through his films and the mystery series “Twin Peaks”. His works include “Eraserhead” from 1977, “Blue Velvet” from 1986, “Lost Highway” from 1997 and “Mulholland Drive” from 2001.

The director has been nominated for numerous awards over the past decades and has taken many home with him. Lynch was nominated for the Oscar alone four times – twice for “The Elephant Man” and once each for “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive”. He was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2019 for his cinematic vision.

In August 2024, Lynch made public that he had been diagnosed with emphysema. Due to the illness, the filmmaker was no longer able to leave his own home, as he explained in an issue of the film magazine “Sight and Sound” (): “I have emphysema because I smoked for so long, and that’s why I have to stay at home whether I want to or not.” At that time he already said that it was unlikely that he would sit in the director’s chair again.

“Smoking has been an important part of my life,” Lynch explained in November. “I loved the smell and taste of tobacco. I loved lighting cigarettes. It was part of my existence as a painter and filmmaker.” But now he has reaped what he sowed. As a smoker you are literally playing with fire.