David Lynch, the acclaimed Hollywood director known for his work on the mystery TV series Twin Peaks, has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung disease resulting from years of smoking.
Despite this diagnosis, Lynch, now 78, maintains that he is in “excellent shape” and has no plans to retire.
In an interview with the British film magazine Sight and Sound, Lynch explained that the condition impacts his mobility, necessitating that he direct future films remotely.
Lynch shared his diagnosis on X, formerly Twitter, acknowledging that it is the “price to pay” for his smoking habit, though he quit smoking two years ago.
Emphysema, a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), occurs when the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, a persistent cough, frequent chest infections, and wheezing.
These breathing issues typically worsen over time, with smoking being the primary cause, although non-smokers can also be affected.Reflecting on his smoking habit, Lynch admitted that he “enjoyed smoking very much” but recognized the consequences of this enjoyment.
Despite his condition, he expressed being “filled with happiness” and extended gratitude to his fans for their support. Throughout his illustrious career, Lynch has directed ten feature films, including the Oscar-nominated Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet, and The Elephant Man.
His most recent film project was Twin Peaks: The Return, a reboot of the third season of Twin Peaks, which premiered in 2017.
