American director David Lynch, an icon of American cinema and creator of films such as "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive," has passed away at the age of 78, his family announced on Thursday.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the family said, "We, the family of the man and artist David Lynch, announce with deep sorrow his passing.
While the family did not mention the cause of death, Lynch had announced last August that he was suffering from emphysema due to "years of smoking.
In a post on the "X" platform, Lynch wrote at the time that "pleasure comes at a price," and the price he paid was this disease that destroys the alveoli and causes shortness of breath.
In an interview with the British magazine "Sight and Sound," Lynch confirmed that his mobility had decreased and that he might have to direct his actors remotely for future projects.
He later posted a reassuring message on social media, saying, "I stopped smoking two years ago, recently underwent medical tests, and the good news is that my health is excellent except for my emphysema, and I am very happy and will never retire.
Lynch, who directed ten feature films between 1977 and 2006, succeeded in attracting a large fanbase who were fascinated by the peculiarities of his films.