David Lynch revealed in a recent cover story for Sight & Sound’s September issue that he was diagnosed with emphysema. The director said he couldn’t leave the house now because of his condition:
“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”
Lynch added that he ‘can only walk a short distance before’ getting ‘out of oxygen,’ and noted about any possible new projects:
“I would do it remotely if it comes to it. I wouldn’t like that so much.”
It’s Not A Goodbye
Despite hinting at a potential end to his days on the director’s chair during the interview, the director later made it clear on X that he had no plans to retire. His tweet read:
“Ladies and Gentlemen; yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern. Love, David”
The Director Has New Projects
Lynch is currently looking to get his animated film, ‘Snootworld,’ with Caroline Thompson off the ground. He shared:
“Just recently, I thought someone might be interested in getting behind this, so I presented it to Netflix in the last few months, but they rejected it. Old-fashioned fairy tales are considered groaners: apparently, people don’t want to see them. It’s a different world now, and it’s easier to say no than to say yes.”
The director also mentioned a chance to bring his 2010 screenplay ‘Antelope Don’t Run No More’ to life:
“Well, we don’t know what the future will bring, but we remain hopeful.”
David Lynch worked in the film industry for almost six decades. His work received four Oscar and nine Emmy nominations throughout his career.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is…
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024
