David Lynch, the iconic filmmaker renowned for his surreal and enigmatic works such as "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive," has passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the heartbreaking news via a Facebook post, stating:

"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 2024, Lynch revealed he had been diagnosed with emphysema due to years of smoking. Despite this, he remained optimistic, expressing:

"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."

Born in Missoula, Montana, in 1946, Lynch gained fame for his surreal neo-noir mystery films. His debut feature-length film, "Eraserhead" (1977), became a midnight movie sensation. He earned Academy Award nominations for Best Director for the biographical drama "The Elephant Man" (1980), and the mystery films "Blue Velvet" (1986) and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). Lynch also directed "Wild at Heart" (1990) and the 1984 adaptation of "Dune," which, despite bombing at the box office, later achieved cult classic status.

Lynch's most celebrated work is arguably the early 90s mystery drama series "Twin Peaks," which follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigates the murder of local teenager Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). Although "Twin Peaks" was canceled after two seasons, Lynch brought it back with the 2017 limited series "Twin Peaks: The Return."

Following the announcement of Lynch's passing, tributes poured in from Hollywood. DCU chief James Gunn tweeted, "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, screenwriter of "The Inheritance," "Soul Mates," and "The Au Pair Nightmare," shared, "no one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."