Renowned filmmaker David Lynch has disclosed his battle with emphysema but remains unwavering in his commitment to continue working. Despite the challenges posed by the lung disease, the “Twin Peaks” creator has no intention of retiring.
In a candid interview with the U.K.’s Sight & Sound Magazine, Lynch revealed that his emphysema diagnosis stems from years of smoking. “Smoking was something that I absolutely loved, but in the end, it bit me,” Lynch admitted. He described smoking as a significant part of his artistic process, saying, “The tobacco and the smell of it, and lighting things and smoking and going back and sitting back and having a smoke and looking at your work, or thinking about things; nothing like it in this world is so beautiful. Meanwhile, it’s killing me.”
At 78 years old, Lynch acknowledged that his condition has made him “homebound whether I like it or not. I can’t go out. And I can only walk a short distance before I’m out of oxygen.” However, he remains cautiously optimistic about the prospect of directing another film. “I like to be amongst the things and get ideas there. But I would try to do it remotely, if it comes to it,” he shared.
More Read
Lynch, who received an honorary Academy Award in 2019, reiterated his dedication to his craft in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking,” he wrote. “I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco ― the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them ― but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema.”
The filmmaker emphasized that despite his diagnosis, he is in “excellent shape except for emphysema.” He added, “I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”
Lynch, a native of Montana, experienced a significant career resurgence in 2017 with the revival of the critically acclaimed series “Twin Peaks: The Return.” His last film was the 2006 thriller “Inland Empire,” featuring Laura Dern and Jeremy Irons.
With a career spanning over four decades, David Lynch’s determination to continue working, despite his health challenges, is a testament to his passion for filmmaking. His fans and the film industry alike continue to support and admire his unwavering dedication.
