The passing of acclaimed directorDavid Lynchleft a big hole in the hearts of many fans, but the sadness of those whoworked alongside himcannot be understated.

Laura Dern, who worked with him on several iconic films, broke the silence on what would’ve been his 79th birthday to share her sorrow with her followers, with a short butheartfelt message.

“Happy birthday, tidbit,” the message read, sharing a tender nickname the actress and the director reserved for each other.

Lynch was beloved not only for his massive contributions to the art of filmmaking, but also for the way he treated his actors and coworkers. One of his trademark gestures was giving each of them a personalized nickname.

“I will love you and miss you for the rest of my life,” Dern concluded.

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Laura Dern in a floral dress, against a light background.

Image credits:Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images

Her words, albeit few, carried the weight of three decades of shared experiences, laughter, victories, and hard-earned lessons.

Dern and Lynch first collaborated for 1986’sBlue Velvet, when the actress was around 19 years old. She played Sandy Williams, a detective’s daughter who helps the protagonist of the neo-noir thriller uncover a disturbing criminal underworld.

Laura Dern and David Lynch smiling at an event, wearing formal attire.

Image credits:Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

Working with the director changed Dern’s life, but the decision to participate in the moviewas not an easy one. The actress had just started her studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) when she received the call informing her that she had gotten the role.

Dern’s life could’ve been completely different had she not accepted the role, as she had enrolled to study psychology with a minor in journalism.

Excited, she asked UCLA administrators for a leave of absence, but her request was denied.

The actress got her big break in Lynch’sBlue Velvet, but taking the role put her entire future as a student at UCLA at risk

Laura Dern with David Lynch, both smiling, wearing dark jackets in a close embrace.

Image credits:Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

“First of all, if you make this choice, you are no longer welcome at UCLA. You’ll be out,” UCLA told the actress. “But secondly, having read this script, that you would give up your college education for this is insane.”

Putting her future in Lynch’s hands,Dernwent ahead and participated in the movie regardless. Her faith was rewarded, as not only didBlue Velvetbecome acult classic, but it even made it into the curriculum at UCLA.

🌹Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, and David Lynch on the set of BLUE VELVET🌹pic.twitter.com/B6kKpqHtdq

— Criterion Collection (@Criterion)January 20, 2020

Dern would once again collaborate with thedirectorin 1990’sWild at Heart, alongsideNicholas Cage. The film was a critical success, winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and solidifying Dern’s role as a key figure in Lynch’s cinematic universe.

The pair’s path diverged for more than ten years, reuniting once again to create 2006’sInland Empire. That time around, the actress played multiple roles, allowing her to fully showcase her versatility.

The actress kept working with the director, keeping tabs on him as his health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer work

David Lynch in a suit smiling in an audience setting, with people seated around him.

Image credits:Oscars

Laura Dern kept collaborating with thedirector, being one of the few to work under him as his health deteriorated.

The visionary director’s cause of death was reported to be emphysema, an incurable chronic lung condition that involves the gradual destruction of the air sacs in the organ.

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Dern worked with Lynch for 2017’sTwin Peaks: The Returnand was instrumental in convincing the director to cameo as John Ford in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 semi-autobiographical film,The Fabelmans.

By that point, his emphysema had advanced to the point where he was unable to continue his work.

“A beautiful tribute,” wrote one fan, as others joined in to mourn the passing of the director alongside Laura Dern

Comment expressing condolences for David Lynch’s passing and describing his impact on art and meditation.

Facebook comment expressing condolences for David Lynch’s passing.

Text message expressing condolences to Laura Dern on David Lynch’s passing.

“David Lynch tribute comment expressing admiration and highlighting collaborations with Laura Dern.

Comment praising David Lynch’s kindness and brilliance in response to his passing.

Screenshot of a comment praising Laura Dern’s authenticity.

Comment by Rob Stephens expressing admiration.

Instagram comment expressing condolences on David Lynch’s passing.

“Comment on David Lynch’s passing reads, ‘He was so loved’, with reactions.

Tribute message expressing condolences and inspiration for David Lynch.

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