The family of US film director David Lynch on Thursday announced his death shortly before his 79th birthday.
“It is with deep emotion that we, his family, announce the death of the boy and the artist David Lynch,” reads a press release on social media.
“There’s a big void in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not the hole. ‘”
The cause of death is still known.
An acclaimed artist who turned his hand to film, television, painting and music, Lynch was considered first and foremost one of cinema’s great auteurs.
Lynch is best known for his films “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” as well as the groundbreaking television series “Twin Peaks. “
The filmmaker earned four Oscar nominations, including a trio of best director nods.
In 2019, he won an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement.
Lynch’s other accolades included the crime story “Wild at Heart,” winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival; the biographical drama “The Elephant Man” and the aptly G-rated film “The Straight Story. ”
Some of Hollywood’s biggest names have given that impression in their films, including Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, and Richard Farnsworth.
Steven Spielberg paid tribute to Lynch, describing him as a “singular dreamer and visionary who made films by hand,” the Hollywood director said in a statement.
“The world will miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and will do so,” said Spielberg.
His close collaborator, actor Kyle MachLachlan, who starred in the series “Twin Peaks” and “Blue Velvet,” also posted a lengthy tribute to the filmmaker on Instagram, saying he owes “his entire career and life to his vision. ” . “.
jsi/rc (Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa)