David Lynch Clarifies He’s Not Retiring Despite Emphysema Diagnosis

"I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire," said the Blue Velvet director and musician. In an interview with Sight & Sound magazine, David Lynch revealed that he was diagnosed with emphysema due to a lifetime of smoking, which has resulted in him needing to stay "homebound" to avoid colds, COVID-19, and other illnesses. Lynch mentioned that while he could direct movies "remotely," he "wouldn’t like that so much." Following speculation about his retirement, Lynch released an official statement today to clarify his stance.

"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 stifled 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. In recent 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, was released in 2006.