Legendary filmmaker David Lynch said he uses a supplemental oxygen tank now because of emphysema caused by decades of smoking. The “Blue Velvet” director revealed in August he was suffering from emphysema that was diagnosed in 2020.

It complicates his directing job, but Lynch doesn’t plan to stop working. He stated on X in August that he’d “never retire,” amidst reports that his condition meant he wouldn’t be directing any more. However, Lynch told the People he’d consider directing remotely, as his disease makes him more susceptible to respiratory illnesses.

Director David Lynch, 78, started smoking at the age of 8. After being diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, he now relies on oxygen for anything more strenuous than walking across a room. "It's a big price to pay,