Kyle MacLachlan, Naomi Watts and others share heartfelt tributes to David Lynch: ‘He put me on the map’
4 min read
FILE - Emily Stofle, from left, director David Lynch actor Kyle MacLachlan, and Desiree Gruber appear at the screening of the TV series "Twin Peaks" at the 70th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on May 25, 2017(AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
David Lynch, the visionary director whose films have captivated audiences for decades, passed away at the age of 78, prompting heartfelt tributes from many actors and collaborators who were lucky enough to work with him.
One of Lynch’s most frequent collaborators, actor Kyle MacLachlan, was among the first to share a tribute after the news of his death broke. MacLachlan took to Instagram to express his gratitude for Lynch’s role in launching his career. He wrote, “Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie.” MacLachlan was referring to Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Dune, in which he portrayed Paul Atreides, a role later taken on by Timothée Chalamet in Denis Villeneuve’s more recent films. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the two, including the iconic Blue Velvet in 1986 and the cult classic television series Twin Peaks.
Reflecting on Lynch’s unique approach to life and creativity, MacLachlan shared, “I always found him to be the most authentically alive person I’d ever met. David was in tune with the universe and his own imagination on a level that seemed to be the best version of human.” MacLachlan also noted Lynch’s fascination with questions rather than answers, a hallmark of the director’s enigmatic storytelling style. He added, “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.”
Naomi Watts, who starred in Lynch’s surreal 2001 film Mulholland Drive, also expressed her gratitude to the filmmaker, stating, “He put me on the map.” Reflecting on her early struggles to find success in Hollywood, Watts shared how Lynch had changed her perspective on herself. “The world I’d been trying to break into for ten plus years, flunking auditions left and right… How did he even ‘see me’ when I was so well hidden, and I’d even lost sight of myself?” Watts explained that it wasn’t just Lynch’s artistic vision that influenced her but also his “wisdom, humor, and love,” which gave her a newfound belief in herself. She went on to praise Lynch’s ability to invite others into his distinctive world through his filmmaking, calling it an “exquisite storytelling” that elevated cinema and inspired filmmakers worldwide.
Both Watts and MacLachlan shared photographs that showcased their decades-long friendships with Lynch, capturing moments from the sets of Twin Peaks and beyond. Isabella Rossellini, who starred in Blue Velvet alongside MacLachlan, also paid tribute by sharing a recent photo of herself with Lynch on Instagram. “I loved him so much,” she wrote, thanking those who sent their condolences.
Mädchen Amick, known for her role as Shelley Johnson on Twin Peaks, also expressed her sorrow in a statement to CNN, describing Lynch as not only a “masterful genius” but a “simply wonderful guy” and a mentor. She fondly recalled how Lynch watched her grow from a young actress into a mother and even supported her when she ventured into directing. “I will hold those long conversations we had in his home on the hill very close to my heart. We laughed. We cried. We stayed inspired,” Amick said.
Tributes also poured in from fellow filmmakers who admired Lynch’s unique vision. Martin Scorsese called Lynch “a visionary” whose work seemed to be on the verge of “falling apart but somehow never did.” He praised Lynch for creating images that were “strange, uncanny, revelatory and new.” Steven Spielberg shared his admiration for Lynch’s films like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and The Elephant Man, emphasizing that these works defined Lynch as a “singular, visionary dreamer” with a handmade touch to his films. Ron Howard also remembered Lynch as a “fearless artist who followed his heart and soul” and proved that radical experimentation could lead to unforgettable cinema.
Lynch’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the remarkable films, television series, and unforgettable characters he created. His unique ability to blend surrealism with reality has left a lasting imprint on the film industry, inspiring filmmakers, actors, and fans around the world.
About The Author
