David Lynch, the 78-year-old acclaimed filmmaker behind ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Eraserhead,’ has revealed he has been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung disease caused by years of smoking. Despite this health setback, Lynch has emphatically declared that he will ‘never retire’ and remains optimistic about his future in filmmaking.In a statement on social media, Lynch addressed his fans directly: ‘I’ve been smoke-free for two years. I recently had medical tests and the good news is that my health is excellent except for the emphysema. I’m filled with joy and I’ll never retire’. This clarification came after an interview with Sight & Sound magazine, where Lynch discussed his reduced mobility and the possibility of directing remotely for future projects.Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Lynch remains active in the entertainment industry. He is currently working on several new ventures, including a third collaborative album with singer Chrystabell titled ‘Cellophane Memories,’ and four new music videos. He’s also been developing film projects, including an adaptation of the script ‘Antelope Don’t Run No More’ and an animated film called ‘Snootworld’.Lynch’s career spans decades, with notable works including ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Mulholland Drive,’ and ‘The Elephant Man.’ He has been nominated for four Academy Awards and received an honorary Oscar in 2019 for his contributions to cinema.The American Lung Association reports that more than 3 million people in the US are living with emphysema. While Lynch’s diagnosis has raised concerns among fans, his determination to continue working and his positive outlook have been met with an outpouring of support from the film community and admirers worldwide.
Key points
- David Lynch, 78, has been diagnosed with emphysema due to years of smoking.
- Lynch has declared he will ‘never retire’ and remains optimistic about his filmmaking future.
- He has quit smoking for over two years and reports being in excellent health otherwise.
- Lynch is working on new projects, including music collaborations and potential film ventures.