The world of television received tragic news on Thursday with the death of prolific director David Lynch.
He is 78 years old.
Lynch’s camp announced the sad news in a Facebook post on its official account.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of artist and artist David Lynch,” the message read.
“We would like to have some privacy at this time. There is a gaping hole in the world and he is no longer with us,” the emotional social media post continued.
“But, as he said, ‘Focus on the donut, not the hole. It was a beautiful day, with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.
As of this writing, the cause of Lynch’s death has not been announced, but Lynch opened up about his emphysema diagnosis and how it hampered his ability to direct last year.
Amid countless headlines about his condition, Lynch revealed to X that he suffered from “emphysema caused by years of smoking.”
“I must say, I absolutely love smoking, and I do love tobacco—the taste, lighting up the cigarette, smoking—but that enjoyment comes at a price, and for me, that price was emphysema.
“I’ve been quitting smoking for over two years now,” he said.
He said his life was “full of happiness” and that he would “never retire,” finishing by telling fans he appreciated their concern.
Lynch has had a decades-long career in the entertainment industry. Born in Montana, he grew up with a vivid imagination. He created his first short film while attending the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
His first feature film, Eraserhead, was released in 1977, and while it didn’t achieve the success of his later work, it did have a cult following.
Lynch’s breakthrough film was “Like a Man,” which propelled him to stardom and into the awards conversation.
His film career flourished over the next few years, culminating in 1990’s Twin Peaks.
The hit murder mystery about a young woman’s murder and how it affected the residents of a small town was huge and shed light on a story rarely seen on the small screen at the time.
Showtime produced a third season in 2017 and it was a huge success.
It’s weird, well-acted, and leaves fans wondering what they just watched, par for the course with Twin Peaks.
Other notable works include “Dune,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Blue Velvet” and “Wild at Heart.”
Lynch is survived by four children: Jennifer Lynch, Austin Jack Lynch, Riley Sweeney Lynch and Lula Borginia Lynch.
Our thoughts are with them. May David Grove rest in peace.
