David Lynch Shares His Health Update: Emphysema Diagnosis

Well-known director David Lynch has opened up about his health, sharing that he has been diagnosed with emphysema due to many years of smoking. The creative mind behind classics like Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks mentioned in a recent interview that this condition has left him housebound.

At 78 years old, Lynch expressed concerns about venturing outside for fear of catching illnesses like Covid. He said, “I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”

In the interview, he revealed that he can only walk short distances before running out of oxygen. This has significantly impacted his ability to direct films, as he joked that he’d only consider directing remotely if he has to, but he would prefer in-person interaction.

Despite his diagnosis, Lynch reassured his fans that he is in good spirits. He mentioned, “I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco—the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire. But there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema.”

After quitting smoking over two years ago, Lynch shared that the latest tests showed he is in excellent shape, apart from his emphysema. He passionately stated, “I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”

Lynch’s last big project was 2017’s Twin Peaks: The Return, which received praise from both critics and fans. His last film, Inland Empire, came out in 2006. Interestingly, there has been a renewed interest in his infamous 1984 adaptation of Dune, thanks to the recent success of Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune films.