Legendary director david lynch he says he suffers from emphysema… but this does not stop him from cultivating his passion for art.
Lynch, best known for his 1980s blockbusters “The Elephant Man” and “Blue Velvet,” took to X and posted a message on Monday, saying his emphysema, a lung disease, was caused by years of constant smoking despite him quitting for good two years ago.
However, he claims that medical tests show that he is in great shape and that is why he refuses to retire from his acclaimed career.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I used to love smoking, and I love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this pleasure, and the price for me is…
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) August 5, 2024
@DAVID_LYNCH
Lynch decided to make the statement after his fans became concerned following his interview with Sight and Sound magazine, in which he said he was unable to leave his house due to his weakened immune system.
He said he could only walk short distances because it was difficult for him to breathe, adding that if he got COVID, it would be extremely serious for him. As you know, COVID is a respiratory virus that can lead to death.
Lynch also told the publication that he likely won’t direct another film on set. Instead, he said he would have to direct remotely, but admits that wouldn’t be ideal.
This is, of course, devastating news for Lynch’s most ardent followers, who have fallen in love with his bizarre, cult-classic films and series over the decades, such as “Eraserhead,” “Twin Peaks,” “Mulholland Drive,” as well as his aforementioned classics.
One of Lynch’s most twisted and iconic scenes is the one in “Blue Velvet”, where Frank Booth, played by My Friend Dennis Hopperinhales laughing gas from an oxygen mask during a sadomasochistic sex scene with Isabella Rossellini like Dorothy Vallens.