David Lynchwas a once-in-a-lifetime visionary in the world of film, and nowHollywoodis paying tribute to his undeniable legacy after hispassingon January 16. He was 78 years old.

While his official cause ofdeathhas not been revealed, Lynch revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema after a lifetime of smoking and would most likely not be able to leave his house to direct.

HighlightsDavid Lynch passed away on January 16 at the age of 78.Many tributes from Hollywood highlight his visionary film legacy.Lynch’s films, including Dune and Twin Peaks, were widely celebrated.Pedro Pascal and others deeply mourned Lynch’s passing.

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Hollywood tributes poured in following David Lynch’s passing

David Lynch in a suit with distinctive hairstyle at a formal event.

Image credits:Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images

“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,” his loved ones shared via a statement on social media. “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.”

David Lynch with an eye patch and cap, holding a cigar, sits in a dimly lit room with blinds in the background.

Image credits:Netflix

Heartfelt messages from today’s biggest stars poured in shortly afterward.

“I loved David’s films.Blue Velvet,Mulholland Drive, andElephant Mandefined him as a singular, visionary dreamer who directed films that felt handmade,” Steven Spielberg told IndieWire in a statement.

“I got to know David when he played John Ford inThe Fabelmans. Here was one of my heroes —David Lynchplaying one of my heroes. It was surreal and seemed like a scene out of one of David’s own movies. The world is going to miss such an original and unique voice. His films have already stood the test of time and they always will.”

A few of the stars honoring his legacy include Steven Spielberg, Pedro Pascal, and Nicolas Cage

Steven Spielberg with glasses wearing a plaid jacket and maroon shirt on a talk show set.

Image credits:The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Harmony Korine, a fellow filmmaker and actor, placed Lynch on a pedestal as he said to the outlet, “He changed a lot of people’s lives. There will never be another one like him, because he made films at a point in history where nothing like that had ever been experienced before.”

He later added, “Lynch invented a new language. He was a once in a generation talent who absorbed the embers of America’s wildness. He embraced his own inner logic and filtered it through a subconscious magic.”

Nicolas Cage and David Lynch sit in director’s chairs on a film set, with one holding a cane and wearing sunglasses.

Image credits:elf0curo

Lynch’s 1990 filmWild At Heartsparked many debates on whether it deserved the recognition and awards it received but one thing’s for certain —Nicolas Cage, who starred in the movie, had nothing but good things to say about the highly esteemed director.

“He was brave, brilliant, and a maverick with a joyful sense of humor. I never had more fun on a film set than working with David Lynch. He will always be solid gold.”

Tweet tribute to David Lynch from Kumail Nanjiani, praising Lynch’s joyful approach to filmmaking.

Image credits:kumail.bsky.social‬

Marvelstar Kumail Nanjiana also echoed those words, writing on X, “David Lynch said that filmmaking should be fun & joyful. Of course it can be hard work. Of course the work itself can encompass all kinds of pain & painful truth. But the act of creation itself should be full of joy. I think about that all the time.

“RIP David Lynch. You are immortal.”

Tributes from Hollywood mourn David Lynch, featuring a scene from his iconic film.

Image credits:JamesGunn

Other stars such asPedro Pascaldescribed how “shattered” they felt upon the devastating announcement, while DC Studio CEO James Gunn remembered him as someone who “inspired so many of us.”

Lynch’s imagination will live on in his forever-celebrated works, which includeDune,Twin Peaks,Mulholland Drive, andBlue Velvet, many of which have also won him highly acclaimed awards.

His filmography stretches all the way from the 1970s

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And, asTwin Peaksso perfectly encompassed it — there is always going to be “some fear in letting go.” But ultimately, “You know about death, that it’s just a change, not an end.

“Hawk, it’s time.”

Tweet tribute to David Lynch, calling him “the goat,” expressing that he will be missed.

Image credits:hopepurple98

Tweet tribute to David Lynch saying, “David Lynch will live on forever.

Image credits:BobDobbs656

A tweet paying tribute to David Lynch, expressing gratitude and sharing a memorable cinema experience.

Image credits:Temujinsrule

Tweet tribute praising David Lynch, calling him a legend in storytelling with Spielberg mentioned.

Image credits:SciGodX

Tweet tribute mentioning David Lynch’s legacy, expressing admiration and connection through art.

Image credits:Prasanth_offl

Tweet tribute to a legendary director from OurMovieGuide, featuring a heartfelt message.

Image credits:OurMovieGuide

Tweet tributing Lynch’s work, expressing admiration since childhood.

Image credits:HomieSanto

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