David Lynch, known for films such as "Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man" and "Mulholland Drive," has died at the age of 78.
Lynch's family announced Lynch's death on social media Thursday but did not provide information about his cause of death.
"We would like to have some privacy at this time. He is no longer with us and there is a big hole in the world. But, as he said, 'focus on the donut, not the hole.'" the post read. "It was a beautiful day, with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."
Born in Montana, the acclaimed filmmaker, writer and artist has earned three Oscar nominations for Best Director and one for Best Adapted Screenplay, earning a reputation for his unique and captivating screen vision. .
Inspired by the run-down areas of Pennsylvania when he was an art student at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in the 1960s, Lynch made the bizarre and dreamy 1977 film "Eraserhead."
It was his first blockbuster and earned him a cult following, including from acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick.
Following his debut, The Elephant Man, he explored the life of a physically deformed man living in Victorian England. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards. Although it failed to win any awards, "The Elephant Man" catapulted Lynch to a prestigious position in the American film industry.
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars have appeared in his films: Naomi Watts, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern and Nicolas Cage. He continued to explore bizarre and neo-noir themes when he entered television in 1990 with the classic film Twin Peaks.
Lynch later won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in France for the 1990 romantic comedy "Wild at Heart."
Lynch, who is days away from turning 79, was awarded an Honorary Academy Award in 2019 for his lifetime achievements. In 2006, he also won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival for his contribution to film.
Following his death, tributes poured in on social media. For example, director Ron Howard described Lynch as "a kind man and fearless artist who followed his heart and soul and proved that radical experimentation can produce unforgettable films."
Even journalists recounted their experiences interviewing the late director.
"When I interviewed David Lynch, he asked for my address," Nick Newman, editor-in-chief of film publication Film Stage, wrote in a social media post. "A few weeks later, this situation emerged."
Newman later shared a photo of a coffee mug signed by Lynch.
"He doesn't need to do that. Of the dozens of people I've interviewed, no one has been to that level of generosity."