Hugh Jackman Mourns 'Massive' Loss of Filmmaker David Lynch: 'an Inspiration to My Life'

Mar. 15, 2025

Hugh Jackman and David Lynch.Photo:Gotham/FilmMagic; Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty

Gotham/FilmMagic; Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty

Hugh Jackmanis mourning the loss ofDavid Lynch.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, theDeadpool & Wolverineactor, 56, shared a heartfelt social media post in honor of the iconic filmmaker,who died at the age of 78.

“The loss of David Lynch is massive,” Jackman wrote in anInstagram Storiespost on Thursday, Jan. 16. “An incredible artist, filmmaker, philanthropist and spirit. His work atThe David Lynch Foundationhas been an inspiration to my life. I will continue to help carry the torch as best I can.”

“My deepest condolences and love to his family and friends,” Jackman finished.

Lynch founded his self-titled foundation in 2005 as a way to fund the practice of meditation in schools. TheTwin Peaksshowrunner was candid about how meditation impacted his life, and the foundation states that he began practicing transcendental meditation in 1973, which continued until his death.

Hugh Jackman tribute to David Lynch.Hugh Jackman/Instagram

Hugh Jackman/Instagram

Jackman has been an advocate for meditation and a devout follower of the foundation. In September 2024,the actor spoke with PEOPLE at the David Lynch Foundation’s Meditate America Galaand revealed that he started meditating 31 years ago — when he was a “younger acting student.”

“I thought it would really help me with my acting. That’s why I sort of went and it did,” Jackman told PEOPLE at the time. “It helps you be more present, more creative, more energized, more able to connect to people.”

“What I realized very quickly is it changed everything in my life into better: My relationships, my sense of who I am, my accountability with who I am — and literally, every aspect of my life changed,” Jackman said.

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David Lynch.Glenn Hunt/Getty

Glenn Hunt/Getty

Lynch’s family announced onFacebookThursday that the legendary director had died.

“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,” the statement reads. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.'”

“It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way,” his family added, referencing one of his favorite greetings from his well-known YouTube series.

A four-time Oscar nominee, Lynch also directed films includingThe Elephant Man andBlue Velvet. His other directorial credits include 1997’sLost Highway, 1999’sThe Straight Storyand 2006’sInland Empire. He received his third Oscar nomination for best director (and fourth overall) for helmingMulholland Drive.

Thefather of fourhad always been candid about his love for meditation. In 2006, he published a book,Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity, about the practice of transcendental meditation, and in 2018, he publishedRoom to Dream, a hybrid of a memoir and biography.

source: people.com