David Lynch, the celebrated surrealist filmmaker, famous for experimental films such as Eraserhead (1977) and The Elephant Man (1980), as well as the television show Twin Peaks (1990), has died at 78 years old. The news was announced this morning on Lynch’s official Facebook page:

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. 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.

In August 2024 Lynch made it public that he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a lung disease commonly caused by smoking, and that he was temporarily stepping away from filmmaking. In November of 2024 he told People magazine that he was relying on supplemental oxygen “for anything more strenuous than a walk across the room.”

Lynch was an avid cigarette smoker since 8 years old, but quit when he was diagnosed with emphysema in 2020. Lynch was also a painter, author, and musician, releasing three solo albums in 2001, 2011, and 2013.