David Lynch Reveals Lung Disease but Plans to Continue Work

Renowned filmmaker David Lynch has announced that he has been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung disease attributed to his long history of smoking. The 78-year-old director, famous for his work on the cult classic series *Twin Peaks*, shared that while the diagnosis has impacted his mobility, he remains in “excellent shape” and has no plans to retire from filmmaking. In a recent interview with *Sight and Sound*, Lynch expressed his determination to continue directing, albeit remotely. Lynch took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to discuss his condition, acknowledging it as the “price to pay” for his smoking habit, which he quit two years ago. Emphysema, a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), damages the air sacs in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and frequent chest infections. While smoking is the primary cause, the disease can also affect non-smokers. Despite the challenges posed by emphysema, Lynch conveyed a sense of optimism, stating he is “filled with happiness” and expressing gratitude to his fans for their support. The director has an impressive filmography, including Oscar-nominated works like *Mulholland Drive*, *Blue Velvet*, and *The Elephant Man*. His most recent project, *Twin Peaks: The Return*, aired in 2017, reviving the beloved series that originally captivated audiences in the early 1990s.