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.
Lynch’s death comes just days before his 79th birthday. The cause has not been shared, but Lynch had spoken publicly about his battle with emphysema.
The director began making short films in the late 1960s and his first feature-length movie – the surreal Eraserhead – was released in 1977.
David Lynch accepting an honorary Oscar in 2019. Pic: Reuters
His most notable projects include The Elephant Man, and neo-noirs Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet – all of which earned him Oscar nominations. In 2019, he received an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievements.
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 titular fictional town, the Emmy-winning series follows the investigation into the death of local teenager Laura Palmer.
David Lynch with Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan, who played special agent Dale Cooper. Pic: AP
The drama debuted in 1990 and ran for two seasons. A much-hyped revival, set 25 years after the original, aired in 2017.
In his later years, Lynch devoted himself to making short films, documentaries, albums and music videos, as well as painting and posting on his YouTube channel.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
