Director David Lynch Can No Longer Leave the House After Scary Diagnosis
Famed director David Lynch, best known for films and series such as Twin Peaks, Dune, Mulholland Drive and many more, is not having an easy time as of late. With his most recent Hollywood credit playing John Ford in The Fabelmans, Lynch shared the sad news that it is unlikely that he will be able to work again unless he is able to do something remotely. He has not been leaving his home because of health concerns.
The 78-year-old said, “I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. … And now, because of COVID, it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold,” He added that he “can only walk a short distance before” he runs out of oxygen.
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While he said he would try working remotely if he is ever given the option, he admitted that he probably wouldn’t like it much. Lynch’s emphysema, a chronic lung condition, was reportedly caused by his smoking habits, as he has been said to be a lifelong smoker. The disease, which causes shortness of breath, is often caused by excessive smoking or exposure to pollutants. Lynch shared an additional statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote, “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.”
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Even though he’s stuck at home for the time being, it sounds like he is trying to stay busy. He still hopes that his 2010 screenplay called Antelope Don’t Run No More will eventually become a film. Likewise, he has worked on an animated film called Snootworld with Caroline Thompson for decades, but it was recently rejected by Netflix.
>> David Lynch Hoping to Return to Film With Animated Project ‘Snootworld’
He explained, “Old-fashioned fairy tales are considered groaners: apparently, people don’t want to see them. It’s a different world now, and it’s easier to say no than to say yes.”
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