Iconic filmmaker David Lynch has issued a statement indicating he has no plans to retire from directing due to a diagnosis of emphysema.
The creator of “Twin Peaks” and director of films like “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” the 78-year-old Lynch told Sight & Sound (via The Independent) this week that he’s now housebound:
“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”
He adds he can only walk a short distance before running out of oxygen and says he’s unlikely to direct a film again unless he could shoot a film remotely: “I would do it remotely if it comes to it, I wouldn’t like that so much.”
Those comments quickly led to speculation he may retire from directing due to the health condition. Now though, in a statement issued on social media, he’s shooting down any talk of retirement:
“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.”
Lynch last directed “Twin Peaks: The Return” series for Showtime.