David Lynch, the legendary filmmaker behind “Twin Peaks” and “Mulholland Drive,” recently passed away. In his final days, he reflected on life, shared a heartfelt message, and left the world with a poignant wish.
Legendary actor and filmmaker David Lynch recently passed away at the age of 78, leaving a void in the world of cinema. His family shared the news through a heartfelt post on his Facebook account.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time,” the post read.
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.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way,” it continued.
Lynch, best known for his work on “Twin Peaks,” “Eraserhead,” and “Mulholland Drive,” was not just an iconic filmmaker but also a father.
He had four children — Jennifer, Austin, Riley, and Lula — whom he welcomed with his ex-wives Peggy Reavey, Mary Fisk, and Mary Sweeney, as well as his estranged wife, Emily Stofle, who filed for divorce in 2023.
Emily Stofle with David Lynch and his son Riley at the Alliance of Moms Giant Playdate event on May 9, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In his final moments, the legendary filmmaker had been battling significant health challenges. In late 2024, he revealed in an interview that he had been diagnosed with emphysema.
“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,” he shared with Sight & Sound magazine.
David Lynch at a photocall during the 12th Rome Film Fest on November 4, 2017, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
He also admitted that walking even a short distance left him out of breath, making it unlikely for him to direct films in person again. “I would try to do it remotely, if it comes to it,” he said, adding, “I wouldn’t like that so much.”
Emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is commonly caused by smoking, air pollution, and exposure to hazardous materials.
David Lynch during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 17, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Although Lynch had quit smoking more than two years before his interview, the damage was already done. Shortly after the interview, he posted on X to reassure fans, “Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema.”
David Lynch circa 2006. | Source: Getty Images
“I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern,” the post continued. However, that was not the only time Lynch’s health struggles were a cause of concern amongst fans in his final days.
In September 2024, he hosted the David Lynch Foundation Gala, where he gave a powerful speech that left some fans speculating that he knew his time was limited. Several social media users shared their observations about his apparent decline.
David Lynch at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California, on October 29, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
One wrote on Reddit, “You can hear him breathing heavily in the final minutes when he is speaking off camera.” Another noted, “It hurt my heart a little to hear the little puffs of his oxygen tank between words. I enjoyed the song. Thanks for posting!”
A third fan commented, “I wonder if his video message at the beginning was recorded a while ago as he seems to have been speaking here without issue or needing oxygen.”
Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Isabella Rossellini, and David Lynch onstage at the Academy’s 11th Annual Governors Awards in Hollywood on October 27, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
They continued, “Whereas his audio message after the song has played quite clearly you can hear him taking oxygen every few words. Very sad and I’m gutted he’s gone, but this was a beautiful final message.”
Others believed Lynch was aware of his impending death, with one person remarking in part, “He knew he was going to pass.”
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David Lynch at the 74th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon on March 11, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
During his speech at the gala, Lynch concluded with a moving final wish that deeply resonated with those who listened, saying, “May everyone be happy. May everyone be free of disease. May auspicious be seen everywhere. May suffering belong to no one. Peace. Jai Guru Dev.”
David Lynch photographed in Cannes, France, on May 25, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Earlier in May 2024, Lynch had teased fans with a post on X, hinting at an exciting project for them to “see and hear” on June 5, 2024. When the day arrived, he delivered a stunning music video produced by his company, offering a memorable gift to his fans in what would be one of his final creative endeavors.
David Lynch’s passing marked the end of an unparalleled career in film and art, but his legacy will continue to inspire. His heartfelt final wish for happiness and peace reflected the depth of his character, leaving fans with a powerful message of hope and compassion that will resonate for generations to come.
