‘Twin Peaks’ director David Lynch cannot leave his home due to emphysema diagnosis

“Twin Peaks” director David Lynch revealed an unfortunate health diagnosis that has stalled his career.

In an interview with Sight & Sound, the 78-year-old director said, “I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not.” 

“I can’t go out,” he continued. “And I can only walk a short distance before I’m out of oxygen.”

He noted that “now, because of COVID, it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”

Emphysema is a lung condition that can cause shortness of breath, and according to the Cleveland Clinic, usually develops after years of smoking.

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“Smoking was something that I absolutely loved but, in the end, it bit me,” he admitted, professing a love for smoking. “…nothing like it in this world is so beautiful. Meanwhile, it’s killing me. So I had to quit.”

Lynch is known for his dark and sometimes surreal storytelling in films like “Eraserhead,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Mullholland Drive.”

Over the course of his career, the director, writer and occasional actor has earned four Oscar nominations and five Emmy nominations, among dozens of other awards.

“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not.”

— David Lynch

Unfortunately, due to his emphysema, the legendary director feels he is unlikely to work again, at least in person.

“I would do it remotely if it comes to it,” he told the outlet, but said, “I wouldn’t like that so much.”

On Monday, Lynch updated fans on X about his condition, clarifying that he has no plans to stop working despite his health limitations.

“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 wrote. 

“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 added, “I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern. Love, David.”

David Lynch attends the premiere of “Twin Peaks” at Ace Hotel on May 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.  (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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Lynch’s last feature film was 2006’s “Inland Empire,” starring Laura Dern and Jeremy Irons. 

In 2017, he revived “Twin Peaks” for a third season on Showtime, with the 18-episode “Twin Peaks: The Return.”

According to The Independent, Showtime in 2018 said they were willing to produce more episodes when Lynch was ready.

“We’re thrilled we did ‘Twin Peaks,’ absolutely thrilled,” programming president Gary Levine said on the Television Critics Association press tour, according to the outlet.

Lynch, with “Twin Peaks: The Return” stars Laura Dern and Kyle McLachlan. It was one of the director’s last major projects.  (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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He added, “The work was extraordinary, the fan reaction was extraordinary,” and said “the door is always open” for more “Twin Peaks” or other projects.

Lynch has completed several short films, including 2017’s “What Did Jack Do?” which appeared on Netflix.

The “Dune” director does have some hope for a few upcoming projects, including his long in development screenplay “Antelope Don’t Run No More.” 

“We don’t know what the future will bring,” he said of the project.

Lynch said he would consider directing remotely to protect his health, but admitted he “wouldn’t like that so much.” (Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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He also spoke about an animated film he began working on with “The Nightmare Before Christmas” writer Caroline Thompson, called “Snootworld” with Deadline earlier this year.

“Just recently, I thought someone might be interested in getting behind this, so I presented it to Netflix in the last few months, but they rejected it,” Lynch said. “Old-fashioned fairy tales are considered groaners: apparently, people don’t want to see them. It’s a different world now, and it’s easier to say no than to say yes.”