On August 5th, notable publications such as The Independent and Variety eagerly highlighted a quote from an interview with David Lynch in Sight and Sound‘s September 2024 issue. Lynch disclosed that he had developed emphysema from smoking, leading to a homebound lifestyle, and that he could “only walk a short distance before [being] out of oxygen.” He further remarked: “Because of Covid, it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold. So I would probably be directing from my home … I wouldn’t like that so much. I like to be amongst the thing and get ideas there. But I would try to do [a film] remotely, if it comes to it.”
It appears they overlooked recent affirmations from Lynch’s close associate, Sabrina S. Sutherland, who confirmed his robust health and readiness for work. The ensuing hours saw a global wave of social media tributes to the director that resembled an obituary. This was promptly corrected when David Lynch himself issued an official press release clarifying that he is in excellent health (apart from the emphysema) and, notably, that he [drum roll] will never retire. To clear the air after a day of widespread misinformation, here is the press release in its entirety. Feel free to read this in Gordon Cole’s voice:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
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 – 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.
Love,
David
Fire walk with 
