Renowned Hollywood director David Lynch has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung condition attributed to “many years of smoking.” Despite the diagnosis, Lynch, 78, emphasized that he remains in “excellent shape” and plans to continue his work in film.
In an interview with the British film magazine Sight and Sound, Lynch explained that his condition has impacted his mobility, necessitating that he direct films remotely in the future. He described his diagnosis as the “price to pay” for his past smoking habit, which he quit two years ago.
Lynch took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts on the matter. He acknowledged the toll of smoking, stating, “I have to say I enjoyed smoking very much but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment.”
Emphysema, a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs. This condition leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, a persistent cough, frequent chest infections, and wheezing. Though smoking is the primary cause, emphysema can occasionally affect non-smokers as well.
Despite the challenges posed by emphysema, Lynch conveyed a positive outlook, saying he is “filled with happiness” and expressing gratitude to his fans for their support.
Lynch, celebrated for his work on the acclaimed mystery TV series Twin Peaks, has an extensive filmography that includes notable films such as Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet, and The Elephant Man. His most recent major project was Twin Peaks: The Return, which aired in 2017 and revived the iconic series from the 1990s.
