David Lynch, iconic director of 'Twin Peaks' and 'Blue Velvet,' dies at 78

David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker behind "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet," passed away at 78. 

His family announced the news on Facebook, expressing their loss with his signature phrase: “Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.”

Lynch, born January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, was celebrated for his surrealist storytelling and unique visual style. After debuting with the cult classic "Eraserhead" (1977), he gained critical acclaim with "The Elephant Man" (1980), earning eight Oscar nominations. However, his adaptation of "Dune" (1984) was a commercial disappointment.

Lynch cemented his legacy with "Blue Velvet" (1986), a chilling dive into small-town darkness, and "Twin Peaks" (1990), a groundbreaking TV series that redefined episodic storytelling. Despite declining ratings in its second season, the show’s cult following led to a 2017 revival on Showtime.

A four-time Oscar nominee, Lynch’s works like "Mulholland Drive" (2001) and "Inland Empire" (2006) continued to challenge narrative conventions. He received an honorary Oscar in 2020 for his lifetime achievements.

Beyond filmmaking, Lynch was a painter, musician, and advocate for transcendental meditation. He founded the David Lynch Foundation to promote mental well-being through meditation and remained active in various artistic endeavors.

Lynch is survived by his four children. His pioneering approach to storytelling and indelible mark on cinema ensure his legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern filmmaking.