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,

Filmmaker David Lynch has revealed the 'big price he has to pay' after starting smoking at 8, which has left him needing oxygen just to walk.

Acclaimed director David Lynch started smoking at age 8 and now relies on supplemental oxygen for anything more strenuous than a walk across a room, he said in an interview to People, warning people of the dangers of smoking.

Film-maker and lifelong smoker David Lynch has spoken out about the dangers of the habit, revealing he started smoking at the age of eight and now needs supplemental oxygen even to walk small distances.