David Lynch Clarifies He’s Not Retiring Despite Emphysema Diagnosis

In an interview with Sight & Sound magazine, David Lynch revealed that he was diagnosed with emphysema due to constant smoking throughout his life, and consequently must remain “homebound” to avoid colds, COVID-19, and other sicknesses. Lynch added that he could direct movies “remotely,” but that he “wouldn’t like that so much.” After speculation that this meant the longtime creative would retire, Lynch released an official statement today clarifying that’s not the case.

“Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking,” Lynch wrote in his statement. “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 – 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. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”

Being homebound hasn’t limited Lynch’s creativity in the past. During the pandemic, he launched the “What Is David Working on Today?” video series and daily weather reports on YouTube. Over the past few years, he has also created the short films Fire (Pożar) and WHAT DID JACK DO?, directed a music video for Donovan, and released his new collaborative album Cellophane Memories with Chrystabell. Lynch’s most recent feature film, Inland Empire, came out in 2006.

Revisit Pitchfork’s 2012 interview with David Lynch.