David Lynch Shuts Down Retirement Rumors With Candid Health Update
Legendary director David Lynch has been behind some of the most beloved movies and TV shows of the past half-century from Eraserhead and Dune to Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. After a recent interview, it was believed that Lynch was stepping away from public life and, as a result, movie-making in general. But he's since pushed back on those claims.
Lynch first spoke about his life today in an Aug. 1 interview with Sight & Sound. "I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not," he said, per The Independent. "It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold." He revealed he "can only walk a short distance" at a time before running out of oxygen.
Lynch reportedly questioned if he'll be able to direct again, though he did leave the door open to working from home. "I would do it remotely if it comes to it," he said. "I wouldn’t like that so much."
After news spread of the end of Lynch's career, the 78-year-old Hollywood heavyweight took to social media to ensure that he would never retire from the work he loves so much.
"Ladies and gentlemen, yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco—the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them—but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema," he said. "I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema."
"I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire," he concluded. "I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern."
Ladies and Gentlemen,
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024
Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is…
While waiting for Lynch's next project, whatever it may be, go back and watch some of his most iconic works.