His sinister, surreal vision of America made him a leading counterculture auteur — with movies such as Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart and Mulholland Drive, and the groundbreaking TV series Twin Peaks.

David Lynch died at the age of 78, his family announced on Thursday, January 16. It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time.

David Lynch, the creator of the television series "Twin Peaks" and the director of "Dune," passed away at the age of 78.