David Lynch Reveals Emphysema Diagnosis, But Vows to ‘Never Retire’

David Lynch is promising to “never retire” after revealing he suffers from emphysema.

In a new interview with Sight & Sound magazine (via The Independent), Lynch shared the diagnosis due to years of smoking, explaining that he can’t “go out” because catching Covid-19 or any other bug would potentially exacerbate his health issues. However, the 79-year-old director later shared on X that he’s in “excellent shape” and doesn’t plan to quit anytime soon.

“Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking,” Lynch wrote on X after the interview. “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,” he added. “I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”

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In the original interview, the Elephant Man director had said his physical abilities are heavily limited now, and he can only “walk a short distance” before he’s “out of oxygen.”

“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not,” Lynch told the outlet. “It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.” In the original chat, Lynch said it was unlikely he’d direct again unless he did so remotely. “I would do it remotely if it comes to it,” Lynch said, but then noted: “I wouldn’t like that so much.” 

Despite his health issues, Lynch said he recently pitched an animated project to Netflix, Snootworld, that was turned down. And he’s also still hopeful his 2010 screenplay, Antelope Don’t Run No More, will finally be made: “Well, we don’t know what the future will bring, but we remain hopeful,” Lynch said.

Lynch’s last feature-length movie to date was 2006’s Inland Empire, while in 2017, he helmed the miniseries Twin Peaks: The Return. He’s also tackled a lot of smaller projects in recent years, like his 2017 short film, What Did Jack Do?; two music videos for Donovan; and the various shorts, weather reports, and number-picking clips he’s posted on YouTube. 

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Lynch has also focused on music, dropping his latest album — Cellophane Memories with Chrystabell — just last week. The album follows 2018’s Thought Gang, a collaborative effort with the late composer Angelo Badalamenti.

This story was updated on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. ET to include David Lynch’s post on X.