Acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch, renowned for his distinctive, darkly surreal style showcased in films like “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” and the television series “Twin Peaks,” passed away a few days before his 79th birthday.
His family announced his death via a Facebook post on Thursday. The cause of death and location remain undisclosed, although Lynch had publicly discussed his emphysema.
“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 post stated. “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
Lynch, initially an artist, achieved prominence in the 1970s with the surrealist “Eraserhead,” consistently captivating and inspiring audiences and fellow filmmakers throughout his career. His notable works encompass the neo-noir “Mulholland Drive,” the Gothic-tinged “Blue Velvet,” and the idiosyncratic “Twin Peaks.”
His filmography also includes the crime drama “Wild at Heart,” winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes; the biographical drama “The Elephant Man”; and the straightforward, family-friendly “The Straight Story.”
