Renowned filmmaker David Lynch has shared that he can no longer leave his home due to a diagnosis of EMPHYSEMA.
Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. It is mainly caused by smoking, air pollution and exposure to dust and chemicals at work
In an interview with Sight and Sound magazine, Lynch said: “I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. I can’t go out. And I can only walk a short distance before I’m out of oxygen.”
After his comments stirred a strong reaction from fans, the 78-year-old posted a follow-up statement on X to clarify that he won’t be stopping work.
David said “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.”
In a Sight and Sound interview, Lynch talked about his mixed feelings towards the cause of his health issues. He said
“Smoking was something that I absolutely loved, but in the end, it bit me. It was part of the art life for me: the tobacco and the smell of it, and lighting things and smoking and going back and sitting back and having a smoke and looking at your work, or thinking about things; nothing like it in this world is so beautiful. Meanwhile, it’s killing me. So I had to quit.”
This Acclaimed Filmmaker Can No Longer Leave Home Due to a Health Condition