BREAKING: Hollywood director David Lynch dies at 78

Within the past hour, the family of visionary Hollywood film director David Lynch has confirmed that he has died at the age of 78 with no details on the cause of death. A short statement has been posted to his official Facebook page and is reproduced in full below.

It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. 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.

Lynch had been public about his battle with emphysema, a condition he had been managing for some time, even going as far as blaming it directly for his recent lack of activity and leaving him homebound.

From his early work on “Eraserhead” to the groundbreaking “Twin Peaks” series, Lynch consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual art. His films, including “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive,” and “The Elephant Man,” are equally celebrated. “Twin Peaks: The Return” introduced a new generation to the saga of Laura Palmer in the age of online fandom and social media.

Below, a compilation of Japanese TV commercials for Georgia Coffee, where the Twin Peaks saga, and much of Lynch’s work was warmly received.

UPDATE: A report on the Japanese frenzy for Twin Peaks from Entertainment Tonight in 1992 is embedded below: