Visionary film director David Lynch – behind hits such as Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive – has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
A post shared on the filmmaker’s Facebook page reads: “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.”
Referencing Lynch’s advice for budding creatives, the statement continues: “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 concludes, in a nod to weather reports the director filmed and posted on YouTube.
The cause of his death has not been shared, but Lynch had spoken publicly about his battle with emphysema. His death comes just days before his 79th birthday.
Lynch began making short films in the late 1960s. His first feature-length movie – the surreal Eraserhead – was released in 1977.
His most notable projects include The Elephant Man, and neo-noirs Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet – all of which earned him Oscar nominations.
Lynch’s success extended to the small screen and Twin Peaks, co-created with writer Mark Frost, is widely considered a cult classic.
Set in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, the series follows an investigation into the death of local teenager Laura Palmer.
The drama debuted in 1990 and ran for two seasons. A much-hyped third series, set 15 years after the original, aired in 2017.
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