David Lynch, the acclaimed director known for his distinctive dark and surreal filmmaking style showcased in works like “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive,” and the groundbreaking series “Twin Peaks,” has passed away just short of his 79th birthday.

The announcement of his death was made by his family through a post on Facebook on Thursday. In their touching message, they reflected on his absence, stating, “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

Details surrounding his cause of death and setting have yet to be disclosed. Last summer, Lynch had disclosed in an interview with Sight and Sound about his struggle with emphysema, revealing that his condition left him homebound due to his concerns of becoming ill, especially during the pandemic. “I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not,” he explained, acknowledging he did not foresee making more films anytime soon. He noted, “I would try to do it remotely if it comes to it, but I wouldn’t like that so much.”

Lynch’s journey to prominence began in the 1970s with his nightmarish debut film “Eraserhead,” which captivated and perplexed viewers, paving the way for a remarkable career that included masterpieces ranging from the neo-noir psychological thriller “Mulholland Drive” to the unsettling narrative of “Blue Velvet” and the cult series “Twin Peaks,” which garnered three Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy for its haunting theme music. Esteemed film critic Pauline Kael once described Lynch as “the first populist surrealist—a Frank Capra of dream logic.”

Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg paid tribute to Lynch, remarking on his singular vision and their recent collaboration where Lynch portrayed John Ford in Spielberg’s 2022 film “The Fabelmans.” “It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of David’s own movies,” he commented, adding, “The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice.”

The term “Lynchian” has become synonymous with his emblematic style, distinctly his own. His films were known for extracting unsettling and surreal mysteries from everyday life. A notable instance from “Blue Velvet” includes an investigator discovering a severed ear amidst a seemingly perfect suburban environment.

Renowned filmmaker Steven Soderbergh expressed his admiration, sharing that he owned two unique end tables crafted by Lynch—a testament to his many talents beyond filmmaking, including furniture design. He referred to “The Elephant Man” as a quintessential film, asserting that Lynch’s influence is unparalleled and challenging to replicate. “Attempts to recreate his style would risk great peril,” he warned, emphasizing the unique organization of Lynch’s seemingly non-linear narratives.

Though Lynch had four marriages and four children, he never secured a competitive Academy Award, despite multiple nominations for notable films such as “The Elephant Man,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Mulholland Drive.” In 2019, he was honored with an honorary Oscar for his lifetime achievements. His acceptance remarks were characteristically whimsical: “To the Academy and everyone who helped me along the way, thanks… You have a very nice face. Good night.”

Frequent collaborators, including actors Kyle McLachlan, Laura Dern, and Naomi Watts, often spoke highly of Lynch. McLachlan, known for his roles in “Blue Velvet” and “Twin Peaks,” emphasized that Lynch had an innate connection to aspects of existence that many strive to reach. “I always found him to be the most authentically alive person I’d ever met,” he shared on social media, noting Lynch’s profound understanding of the universe.

Beyond filmmaking, Lynch was multifaceted—enjoying pursuits such as furniture making, painting, music composition, and even cartooning. He radiated a calming presence, partially credited to his practice of Transcendental Meditation, a method he promoted through his foundation. In a reflection of his quirky humor, in 2017’s “What Did Jack Do?,” he hilariously plays a detective interrogating a monkey. Lynch often proclaimed his enjoyment of dining at a local fast-food spot, Bob’s Big Boy.

Lynch’s persona was as intriguing as the films he created. He was known for sharing daily weather reports from Southern California and remained elusive when asked to deeply analyze his cinematic work. He believed in preserving a sense of mystery in storytelling, stating, “I like things that leave some room to dream. A lot of mysteries are sewn up at the end, and that kills the dream.”

Born in Missoula, Montana, Lynch spent his childhood moving frequently due to his family’s circumstances. He cherished his freedom to explore creativity outside conventional settings. Though raised in a nurturing environment, he held a fascination with darker themes. In “Room to Dream,” a collaborative memoir, a childhood friend remarked on Lynch’s perpetual cheerfulness yet attraction to dark subjects—a reflection of the complex mystery that was his essence.

Lynch valued his upbringing, recounting fond memories of his loving parents and how formative experiences sparked his artistic sensibilities. One incident he vividly recalled involved witnessing a beautiful woman emerging from the woods, bloodied and in tears—illustrative of his lifelong belief that life held more secrets than people shared.

His artistic talent was evident early on, culminating in a brief tenure at several colleges before attending the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he refined his short film-making skills. His first film, “Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times),” paved the way for his unique cinematic journey that began with “Eraserhead,” a film that took four years to complete and eventually gained a cult following after its midnight release. Several prominent filmmakers, including Stanley Kubrick, recognized Lynch’s talent, and he received support from figures like Mel Brooks, who produced Lynch’s second film, “The Elephant Man.”

“The Elephant Man” was a poignant narrative centered on Joseph Merrick, capturing the struggles of a man condemned to a life of spectacle due to his physical deformities, leading to eight Oscar nominations. Following this, Lynch took on a more ambitious project with a film adaptation of “Dune,” which, despite its failure, cultivated a dedicated following over time.

In 1986, Lynch unveiled “Blue Velvet,” a compelling narrative peeling away the façade of Americana, featuring an ensemble cast including Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper. This work reflected Lynch’s penchant for handling deep psychological themes, reinforcing the notion that unsettling truths lurk beneath the surface of societal norms.

The early ‘90s brought dual successes: Lynch’s Palme d’Or-winning “Wild at Heart” and the inception of “Twin Peaks.” The series, exploring the enigma surrounding a high school student’s death, captivated audiences and gained critical acclaim, receiving multiple Emmy nominations in its inaugural season. Lynch, alongside co-creator Mark Frost, crafted “Twin Peaks” into an iconic television staple that continued to evolve, with Lynch revisiting it years later through a prequel film and a revival series.

Following subsequent films like the haunting “Lost Highway” and the introspective “The Straight Story,” Lynch released his final major work, “Mulholland Drive,” in 2001. This film, celebrated for its intricate narrative structure and atmospheric storytelling, garnered high praise and ranked among the greatest films of all time in various critical polls.

Lynch’s last feature, “Inland Empire,” released in 2006, pushed boundaries further with its experimental techniques and non-traditional storytelling. In a reflective interview, Lynch shared insights into the complexities of his work, stating, “The more you throw black into a color, the more dreamy it gets,” revealing his understanding of the beautiful tensions between light and darkness that characterize much of his art.