David Lynch, the visionary filmmaker behind shows such as Twin Peaks, has died aged 78, less than a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with emphysema.
Lynch’s family announced his death through his official Facebook page on Thursday, January 16 2025.
In the post, they said: “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 a quote of his, they reminded fans: “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.”
Here, we take a look back at the Mulholland Drive and Eraserhead director’s best quotes on everything from his work to what comes after death.
9. David Lynch on… how divided the world has become
“We could be loving one another, having so much fun together, and going forward in life, making life better and better for everyone. Wouldn’t that be a better scenario than this bullshit? It’s just insane what’s going on. Absolutely f****** insane. And it doesn’t have to be this way. Grow up! Get a f****** life!” | Getty Images
10. David Lynch on… huge worlds existing everywhere
“You can live in one place and have everything.” | AFP via Getty Images
11. David Lynch on… life
“...life is a 24/7 movie. Ideas come out of that all the time. It’s hard to say it’s cinema that conjures ideas. It’s all together. There are billions of ideas swimming around, you just have to catch them.” | AFP via Getty Images
12. David Lynch on… the future
“No, I feel we’ve been in very dark times and much better times are coming. The thing is, bad news sells, frightening things sell, sensationalism sells. So we don’t hear all the good news that’s happening, because it seems kind of boring. But I think there are so many good things happening, and people thinking and inventing. I think the future’s looking very bright. | AFP via Getty Images