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David Lynch, Iconic Filmmaker Behind ‘Twin Peaks’ & ‘Mulholland Drive,’ Dies at 78

His projects made appearances on the Billboard charts throughout the years, and he directed several music videos for artists including Nine Inch Nails and Moby.

David Lynch at his studio, March 15, 2002, in Hollywood.

David Lynch at his studio, March 15, 2002, in Hollywood.

Chris Weeks/WireImage

David Lynch, the beloved filmmaker and director known for his dark, surrealist vision in the television classic Twin Peaks, as well as films including Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, has died. He was 78 years old.

Lynch’s family announced the news of his passing via a Facebook post on Thursday (Jan. 16). “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the statement reads alongside a photo of the artist playing a guitar. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. 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.”


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See the post here. His cause of death was not revealed.

Lynch’s death comes just five months after he announced that he was housebound over fears he’ll contract COVID-19 after being diagnosed with emphysema from many years of smoking. At the time, he added that he wasn’t planning to make another film. “I would try to do it remotely, if it comes to it,” Lynch said. “I wouldn’t like that so much.”

The Missoula, Montana, native, was a one-time painter who enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before he shifted his focus to making films. His breakthrough came via 1977’s Eraserhead, which became popular in the midnight movie underground circuit. Among his many notable films include 2001’s Mulholland Drive starring Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts and Laura Harring; and 1986’s Blue Velvet, starring Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper and Laura Dern.

In television, he was best known as the visionary behind the mystery drama series Twin Peaks, which ran for two seasons from 1990 to 1991 and returned for a third season in 2017. The series won three Golden Globes and two Emmys, as well as a 1991 Grammy for best pop instrumental performance for the Angelo Badalamenti-composed theme music.

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Lynch’s projects also made appearances on the Billboard charts. Twin Peaks: Music From The Second Season And More claimed the No. 17 spot on the April 27, 2019-dated Soundtracks chart. That same week, it peaked at No. 68 on the Top Album Sales tally. His third studio album, The Big Dream, peaked at No. 40 on Independent Albums and No. 167 on Top Current Album Sales in 2013.

He also directed a number of music videos, including Nine Inch Nails’ 2013 “Came Back Haunted” clip as well as Moby’s 2009 “Shot in the Back of the Head” video.

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.

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Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings
Courtesy Photo

Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings

Rock

Guess Who Is Coming Back? Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings Return Under With Their Classic Band Name

The recent settlement of a bitter dispute over ownership of the band's name allows its two legendary songwriters to now perform as The Guess Who, and they have announced their first live dates.

Guess Who is returning? For the first time in over twenty years, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, the principal songwriters of that legendary Winnipeg rock band, will be performing together as The Guess Who.

It has just been announced that on January 31, 2026, the Guess Who will take to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with more shows to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

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