Legendary director David Lynch has provided an update on his health, revealing that he has been diagnosed with emphysema due to many years of smoking.
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The 78-year-old director, known for his iconic works like Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, has shared that his condition has made him housebound, as he is concerned about the risks of contracting Covid-19.
“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not,” Lynch told Sight & Sound (via The Independent).
He added that he can only walk short distances before needing oxygen and expressed his concerns about getting sick, even with a cold.
Despite the diagnosis, Lynch sought to reassure his fans about his future plans. He acknowledged that he is unlikely to direct a film again unless it could be done remotely, though he admitted he would prefer not to work in that way.
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On Monday, August 5 2024, Lynch addressed speculation about his retirement and reassured his supporters. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking,” he wrote.
“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. 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. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”
Lynch’s last major project was Showtime’s Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017, and his most recent film was Inland Empire in 2006.
His 1984 adaptation of Dune has also seen renewed interest following the success of Denis Villeneuve’s recent Dune films.
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