Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, James Gunn and More Pay Tribute to David Lynch: He “Inspired So Many of Us”

by

The film industry is deeply saddened by the passing of David Lynch, a renowned director known for creating cherished films and television series such as Blue Velvet, Dune, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks.

On Thursday, it was announced on his Facebook page that Lynch had died. He was 78.

With profound sorrow, we, his family, share the sad news of David Lynch’s demise – both as a man and an artist. At this moment, we kindly ask for some personal space to grieve. The world feels emptier now without him, but he would encourage us all to ‘focus on the donut rather than the hole.’ On this bright day with radiant sunshine and azure skies, it’s hard not to feel his spirit lingering.

Lynch clinched the Palme d’Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival for “Wild at Heart.” In 2019, he was bestowed with an honorary Oscar.

Ever since the news about his demise became public knowledge, celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, James Gunn, Ron Howard, Colin Jost, Kat Dennings, Patton Oswalt, among others, have been expressing their feelings on the matter.

James Gunn said on X: “RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us.”

Ron Howard paid tribute on X by saying: “#FarewellDavidLynch, an admirable gentleman and daring creator who bravely chased his passion and demonstrated that bold innovation can result in timeless films.

Colin Jost wrote on Instagram: “Never been so sad about someone I never met. I really loved him.”

As a devoted admirer, I cannot help but express my deep sorrow. David Lynch, one of the most impactful artists across time, has left an indelible mark on us all. His unique style was unparalleled, and no artist will likely replicate his genius in the future.

On X, Patton Oswalt posted: “David Lynch has passed away. Or so I was informed by a horse donning a fez in a dream…and let’s not forget, it was in reverse and Swedishese.

Speaking with THR, Spielberg expressed: “I adored David’s movies. Films like ‘Blue Velvet’, ‘Mulholland Drive’, and ‘The Elephant Man’ set him apart as a distinctive, visionary artist whose films felt personally crafted. I had the pleasure of meeting David when he portrayed John Ford in ‘The Fabelmans.’ To have one of my idols playing another of mine was extraordinary and reminiscent of a scene straight out of one of David’s own movies. The world will sorely miss such a unique and original voice. His films have already proven timeless and will continue to be so.

The American Film Institute issued a statement to THR, saying, “David Lynch was an authentic American gem. As tales go, he resided in the stables at Greystone while creating his AFI thesis film – ‘Eraserhead.’ Over the years, his influence on cinema has been indelible, seen in both his films and his artwork – always encouraging those who dared to break the mold and strive for something unique. During a seminar on campus, he imparted this enduring wisdom to the Fellows: ‘Express the stories that resonate within you. Every person possesses such tales that emerge. Just remain faithful to your ideas and savor the process.’ He will continue to inspire us through our dreams.

In a similar vein, Lesli Linka Glatter, the president of Directors Guild of America, made this statement about Lynch: “There’s no one quite like David. He was an innovative spirit who revolutionized visual storytelling in film and television, encouraging numerous directors to take risks and explore uncharted territories. When I began my career as a director on Twin Peaks in the 1990s, he took a chance on me, shaping my path and leaving an indelible mark on my life. For this, I am eternally grateful. David lived fully immersed in each moment of life, and his actions often made me see the world differently. A story that resonated with me was from one of David’s early Twin Peaks episodes where there’s a scene in a bank vault with Kyle MacLachlan and Michael Ontkean, and a moose head is placed inconspicuously on the table. No characters acknowledge it, yet it adds depth to the scene. When I asked David how he came up with that idea, he looked at me puzzled and said, ‘It was there.’ The prop department had intended to hang it on the wall, but David spotted it on the table and decided to leave it. This moment taught me a valuable lesson: even when you plan carefully, always be open to life’s surprises, like the moose head on the table. Don’t overlook what’s right in front of you. His uncanny ability to perceive the extraordinary where others did not, made him one of the most influential storytellers of our era. Alongside countless directors who have been deeply influenced by David’s life and work, I express my condolences on his passing today.

In conversation about the second season of “Severance”, Ben Stiller mentioned on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM show that he previously lived nearby in Los Angeles. He described his neighbor as a particularly friendly person, recalling instances when he would visit his house during Halloween trick-or-treating.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Colin Jost (@colinjost)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kat Dennings (@katdenningsss)

More to come.

Read More

2025-01-17 00:55