David Lynch: A 78-year-long surreal journey through film and art
David Lynch, the American filmmaker known for surrealist classics like Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, has died at the age of 78. His family announced his passing on Thursday through a post on his official Facebook page, Kazinform News Agency reports.
“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,” the family wrote.
Lynch had been battling emphysema, a chronic lung disease caused by years of smoking. In August 2024, he revealed his diagnosis, later saying that he has been struggling with walking.
David Keith Lynch was born on January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana. The son of a research scientist, he spent his childhood moving across the United States with his siblings. Lynch initially studied painting before transitioning to filmmaking in the late 1960s.
His debut feature, Eraserhead (1977), became a movie sensation, demonstrating his surreal style and themes of paranoia and fatherhood. This film is considered to be the one that laid the foundation for his career. Lynch received three Oscar nominations for Best Director for The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001). His works, often dreamlike and unsettling, explored themes of identity, fame, and human frailty.
Lynch’s television series Twin Peaks (1990–1991) and its revival in 2017 gained a devoted fan base. He directed its prequel film, Fire Walk with Me (1992), and portrayed FBI agent Gordon Cole in the series. His influence extended to other media, inspiring works like True Detective and the game Alan Wake II.
In the list of notable works is also the Lynch’s “Los Angeles Trilogy.”. The films, including Lost Highway (1997), Mulholland Drive (2001), and Inland Empire (2006), examined the dark side of Hollywood, blending psychological drama and mystery.
Lynch was married four times and had four children: Jennifer, Austin, Riley, and Lula. Balancing his career with family life was, in his words, a "tricky business." In his later years, Lynch diversified his artistic pursuits, returning to painting and creating music. In 2019, he received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement. His last album, Cellophane Memories, was released in collaboration with Chrystabell in 2024.
The fans and members of the industry have started to pay their respects and share condolences. “The greatest of all time left us,” shared the fans. Adding that “A great man has gone, but will never be forgotten.”
The family, devastated by the news, ended their post with a heart message that reads, “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
Earlier Kazinform News Agency correspondent invited its readers to explore the side businesses of celebrities who expanded their careers beyond entertainment.
