The cinema industry is in mourning following the loss of visionary filmmaker David Lynch, known for his groundbreaking projects such as Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, and Blue Velvet. He passed away at the age of 78, just days shy of his 79th birthday on January 20.
The news of Lynch’s passing was shared by his family through a social media post on Thursday. While they did not specify the cause of the filmmaker’s death, he previously opened up about his battle with emphysema, a chronic lung disease he got ‘from smoking for so long.’
‘There is a big hole in the world now that he is no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the [doughnut] and not on the hole,’ his family wrote in the post.
‘It is a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.’
Meanwhile, Kyle MacLachlan, a long-time colleague and friend of Lynch, took to social media to pen a heartfelt tribute after hearing the news about the filmmaker’s passing. He accompanied his post with several photos of them together taken over the years.
‘Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie. He clearly saw something in me that even I did not recognise,’ he wrote.
‘I owe my entire career, and life really, to his vision.’
‘…I will miss him more than the limits my language can tell and my heart can bear. My world is that much fuller because I knew him and that much emptier now that he is gone,’ he continued.
‘David, I remain forever changed, and forever your Kale. Thank you for everything.’
Lynch reportedly began as a painter before transitioning to filmmaking. His work often challenged audiences with its dark themes and surreal imagery, earning him a reputation as a true original in the industry.
One of his famous works, Twin Peaks, won critical acclaim, including Golden Globes and Emmys.
Despite his significant impact, Lynch never won a competitive Academy Award. He was, however, nominated for his direction of The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive.
In 2019, the Academy recognised his contributions to the art of filmmaking with an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement, an accolade he accepted with his characteristic quirkiness.
‘To the Academy and everyone who helped me along the way, thanks. You have a very nice face. Good night,’ he said in his speech at the time.
At YourLifeChoices, we extend our deepest condolences to David Lynch’s family, friends, and fans around the world.
We invite our readers to share their memories and thoughts on Lynch’s work in the comments below. What are your favourite David Lynch films? Let’s celebrate the life of a man who brought colour and life to cinema and television.
Also read: Comedy legend Tony Slattery from Whose Line Is It Anyway? passes away
