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.
5. David Lynch on… work
“It’s like I’ve got a compulsion to do stuff and anything that gets in the way of that — it’s so painful. Relationships, if they’re not smooth and I don’t have room to work, they’re a torment. I can love people, and I do love people, but I need the space to work. I’ve always needed it but I haven’t always faced the music about how much I need it.” | Getty Images
6. David Lynch on… death not being the end
“I believe life is a continuum, and that no one really dies, they just drop their physical body and we'll all meet again, like the song says. It's sad but it's not devastating if you think like that. Otherwise I don't see how anybody could ever, once they see someone die, that they'd just disappear forever and that's what we're all bound to do. I'm sorry but it just doesn't make any sense, it's a continuum, and we're all going to be fine at the end of the story.” | Getty Images
7. David Lynch on… the ups and downs of success
“I have this theory that if you can come back up again after going down, you have staying power. Maybe I have that. But there’s the phrase, “Keep your eye on the doughnut and not the hole.” Worrying about where “up” is — that’s the hole and not the doughnut. The thing is, if you get an idea that you love and you want to realize it, then the trip of realizing it should be joyful and the result should be joyful. Happiness is not a new car; it’s the doing of the work. If you like the doing, the result will be a joy.” | AFP via Getty Images
8. David Lynch on… fans interpreting his work
“People are thinkers. People are detectives and we have life to find clues about in the same way we would with a piece of cinema. You see something and it can conjure so many thoughts and interpretations. That’s why I don’t like to talk about my own intentions, because everyone else’s interpretation is so great.” | Getty Images