David Lynch, director of iconic films such as ‘Lost Highway,’ ‘Wild at Heart,’ ‘Blue Velvet,’ and ‘Mulholland Drive,’ has passed away at the age of 78. In 2024, Lynch announced that he had been diagnosed with emphysema after a lifetime of smoking, which left him unable to leave his home or direct.
His family shared the news of his death in a heartfelt Facebook post, writing, “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.’”
Lynch made his directorial debut with 1977’s ‘Eraserhead,’ a film that gained attention for its unique and surreal style. He earned his first Academy Award nomination for best director with ‘The Elephant Man,’ which received eight Oscar nominations. In 1990, he co-created the groundbreaking television series ‘Twin Peaks’ with Mark Frost, which became a cultural phenomenon. The first season alone earned 14 Emmy nominations.
After Lynch’s passing, numerous artists paid tribute to the visionary filmmaker behind a remarkable career and unforgettable films. DC co-CEO and director James Gunn paid tribute to Lynch with a tweet on his X account that read, “RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us.”
‘Avengers’ stars went on Instagram to do the same. Mark Ruffalo shared on his Stories, “One of the all time great cinematic luminaries has left us. Rest in your dreams.” Co-star Josh Brolin also posted on the platform and said, “Major muse gone. He will live on with what was his candor and incredible creations. RIP.”
Accomplished actor Hugh Jackman noted, “The loss of David Lynch is massive. An incredible artist, filmmaker, philanthropist and spirit. His work at The David Lynch Foundation has been an inspriation to my life. I will continue to help carry the torch as best I can. My deepest condolences and love to his family and friends.”
Famous actress Kat Dennings shared a post on Instagram, writing, “This is a monumental loss. One of the most influential artists of all time. Nobody ever did it like David Lynch and nobody ever will again.”
Non-Marvel and DC industry names didn’t forget the director, either. Steven Spielberg, speaking to Variety, said, “I loved David’s films. ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Mulholland Drive’ and ‘Elephant Man’ defined him as a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade.”
He continued, “I got to know David when he played John Ford in ‘The Fabelmans.’ Here was one of my heroes—David Lynch playing one of my heroes. It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of David’s own movies. The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and they always will.”
A four-time Oscar nominee, Lynch was honored with an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2020.
Photo Credit: Hugh Jackman/Instagram Stories
Photo Credit: Josh Brolin/Instagram Stories
Photo Credit: Mark Ruffalo/Instagram Stories
