Filmmaker David Lynch clarifies he will not retire despite Emphysema Diagnosis
David Lynch disclosed in an interview with Sight & Sound magazine that he was diagnosed with emphysema as a result of his lifelong smoking habit. As a result, he needs to stay “homebound” in order to prevent colds, COVID-19, and other illnesses. Lynch went on to say that although he could direct films “remotely,” he “wouldn’t like that so much.” Following rumours that the veteran creative would be retiring, Lynch clarified today that this is not the case in an official statement.
LOS ANGELES, Aug 5 (Reuters) – “Twin Peaks” creator David Lynch said on Monday he is filled with happiness and will never retire despite an emphysema diagnosis, clarifying comments he made earlier to magazine Sight and Sound that he would most likely have to stop working.
The 78-year-old American filmmaker posted on social media platform X that he appreciated everyone that has voiced concern over his health condition, noting that his past as a smoker caused his emphysema, a lung disease with no known cure.
Filmmaker David Lynch clarifies he will not retire despite Emphysema Diagnosis
“Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them,” he wrote, gaining 1.3 million likes.
“But there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema,” he added
Lynch responded, “Well, we don’t know what the future will bring, but we remain hopeful,” when asked if his 2010 screenplay Antelope Don’t Run No More would ever be produced for the big screen. The most recent edition of Sight & Sound contains the entire interview with Lynch.
The primary causes of emphysema, also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), include smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. By 2030, the World Health Organisation projects that it will rank as the third most common cause of death globally.
