Career Timeline of David Lynch: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of David Lynch, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
David Lynch is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor known for his surrealist and experimental style. Often considered one of cinema's greatest and most influential figures, his career spans over five decades. Lynch has received numerous awards, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and an Academy Honorary Award, recognizing his significant contributions to film.
1965: Frank Herbert's Dune
In 1965, Dino de Laurentiis of the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group asked David Lynch to create a film adaptation of Frank Herbert's science fiction novel Dune.
1967: Creation of Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times)
In 1967, David Lynch made his first short film, Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times), at the Pennsylvania Academy. He purchased the cheapest 16mm camera he could find.
1968: Production of The Alphabet
In 1968, David Lynch produced the four-minute short film The Alphabet, starring his wife Peggy.
May 29, 1972: Filming Begins on Eraserhead
On May 29, 1972, David Lynch began filming Eraserhead at night in some abandoned stables with a team including Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk.
July 1973: Initiation into Transcendental Meditation
In July 1973, David Lynch was initiated into Transcendental Meditation and practiced the technique consistently thereafter.
1973: Ideas for Blue Velvet
Since 1973, David Lynch had ideas that developed into Blue Velvet, set in Lumberton, North Carolina. It revolves around a college student, Jeffrey Beaumont, who finds a severed ear in a field.
1974: Production of The Amputee
In 1974, during a break in the filming of Eraserhead, David Lynch made The Amputee, a short one-shot film.
1976: Completion of Eraserhead
In 1976, David Lynch completed the film Eraserhead.
1977: Distribution of Eraserhead
In 1977, Ben Barenholtz helped distribute David Lynch's film Eraserhead around the United States.
1980: Critical Acclaim for The Elephant Man
In 1980, David Lynch earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for his biographical drama, The Elephant Man.
1983: Creation of The Angriest Dog in the World
In 1983, David Lynch began writing and drawing a comic strip, "The Angriest Dog in the World", that featured unchanging graphics of a tethered dog so angry it could not move, alongside cryptic philosophical references.
1984: Direction of Dune
In 1984, David Lynch directed the space opera film Dune.
1986: Release of Blue Velvet
In 1986, David Lynch released the neo-noir mystery art film Blue Velvet, earning further critical acclaim.
1988: Directing The Cowboy and the Frenchman
In 1988, David Lynch directed a short film, "The Cowboy and the Frenchman", as part of "The French as Seen by...", a series sponsored by the French newspaper Le Figaro.
1989: Fine art exhibitions
Between 1989 and 1991, David Lynch had five one-man exhibitions that emphasized his roots in fine art and painting.
1989: Production of Floating into the Night
In 1989, David Lynch produced and wrote lyrics for Julee Cruise's first album, "Floating into the Night", in collaboration with Angelo Badalamenti.
1989: Creation of Industrial Symphony No. 1
In 1989, while "Twin Peaks" was in production, the Brooklyn Academy of Music asked David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti to create a theatrical piece, resulting in "Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Broken Hearted."
1990: A Mirabilis Year
1990 was David Lynch's annus mirabilis: Wild at Heart won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and the television series Twin Peaks was proving a smash hit with audiences across the world.
1990: Creation of Twin Peaks
In 1990, David Lynch and Mark Frost created the ABC surrealist horror-mystery series Twin Peaks.
1990: Video Release of Industrial Symphony No. 1
In 1990, David Lynch produced a 50-minute video of the performance "Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Broken Hearted".
1990: Palme d'Or for Wild at Heart
In 1990, David Lynch received the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his romantic crime drama Wild at Heart.
1990: Wild at Heart Wins Palme d'Or
In 1990, David Lynch's film Wild at Heart won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, despite a muted response from American critics and viewers. Audience members booed Lynch and the film when it won the prize.
1990: Twin Peaks Premiere
In 1990, Twin Peaks, a drama set in a small Washington town where Laura Palmer has been murdered, premiered on ABC. The series featured FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper as the investigator.
1991: Fine art exhibitions
Between 1989 and 1991, David Lynch had five one-man exhibitions that emphasized his roots in fine art and painting.
1991: Directing Teaser for Dangerous
In 1991, David Lynch directed a 30-second teaser trailer for Michael Jackson's album "Dangerous" at Jackson's request.
1991: Twin Peaks Airs Until 1991
The TV Show Twin Peaks, co-created by David Lynch, airs until 1991.
1992: End of The Angriest Dog in the World
In 1992, "The Angriest Dog in the World" comic strip created by David Lynch concluded publication.
1992: On the Air
In 1992, David Lynch and Mark Frost created the comedy series On the Air, which was canceled after three episodes aired.
1992: Release of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
In 1992, David Lynch co-wrote and directed the film prequel to the Twin Peaks series, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.
1993: Recording of Thought Gang Album
Around 1993, David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti recorded a collaborative album, "Thought Gang", which was not released at the time.
1993: X Japan's Video
In 1993, David Lynch collaborated with Japanese musician Yoshiki on the video for X Japan's song "Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~".
1993: Production of The Voice of Love
In 1993, David Lynch produced and wrote lyrics for Julee Cruise's second album, "The Voice of Love", in collaboration with Angelo Badalamenti.
April 1997: Furniture Collection at Milan Furniture Fair
In April 1997, David Lynch presented a furniture collection at the prestigious Milan Furniture Fair.
1997: Lost Highway Release
In 1997, David Lynch released Lost Highway, a non-linear noiresque film co-written by Barry Gifford. The film failed commercially and received a mixed response from critics.
1997: Release of Lost Highway
In 1997, David Lynch released the neo-noir film Lost Highway.
1998: Work on Lux Vivens
In 1998, David Lynch worked on the Jocelyn Montgomery album "Lux Vivens (Living Light), The Music of Hildegard von Bingen".
1999: Mulholland Drive Pilot
In 1999, David Lynch approached ABC with ideas for a television drama, and the network greenlit a two-hour pilot for the series Mulholland Drive, although disputes later led to the project being shelved.
1999: Release of The Straight Story
In 1999, David Lynch directed the road movie The Straight Story.
2000: Financing of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
The company CIBY-2000 financed Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.
December 10, 2001: davidlynch.com online
On December 10, 2001, David Lynch launched his website, davidlynch.com, to be used as a distribution channel for his new series.
2001: Release of BlueBob
In 2001, David Lynch released "BlueBob", a blues album performed by Lynch and John Neff, notable for Lynch's unusual guitar playing style.
2001: Release of Mulholland Drive
In 2001, David Lynch released the neo-noir mystery art film Mulholland Drive, to further critical acclaim.
2001: Mulholland Drive Success
In 2001, David Lynch's film Mulholland Drive earned him Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival and Best Director from the New York Film Critics Association. He also received his third Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
2002: DumbLand
In 2002, David Lynch created a series of online shorts, DumbLand. Intentionally crude in content and execution, the eight-episode series was later released on DVD.
July 2005: Launch of David Lynch Foundation
In July 2005, David Lynch launched the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and Peace to fund Transcendental Meditation scholarships and research.
September 2005: College Tour Promoting Transcendental Meditation
In September 2005, David Lynch, along with John Hagelin and Fred Travis, began a tour on college campuses to promote Transcendental Meditation.
December 2005: Investment in Peace Buildings
As of December 2005, David Lynch had spent $400,000 of his own money and raised $1 million in donations towards building seven facilities where 8,000 people would practice advanced meditation.
December 2006: Continued Goal of Building Peace Buildings
In December 2006, The New York Times reported that David Lynch continued to pursue his goal of establishing seven buildings for advanced meditation practices.
2006: Publication of 'Catching the Big Fish'
In 2006, David Lynch wrote 'Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity,' a book detailing his creative process, career stories, and the benefits of Transcendental Meditation. The book explains the metaphor behind the title.
2006: Inland Empire Release
In 2006, David Lynch's feature film Inland Empire was released. At three hours, it is his longest film, and lacks a traditional narrative structure.
May 27, 2007: End of Retrospective at Fondation Cartier
David Lynch's major art retrospective at the Fondation Cartier in Paris, titled "The Air is on Fire", concluded on May 27, 2007.
2008: Starting David Lynch MC Record Label
In 2008, David Lynch started his own record label, David Lynch MC, which first released "Fox Bat Strategy: A Tribute to Dave Jaurequi" in early 2009.
April 4, 2009: "Change Begins Within" Benefit Concert
On April 4, 2009, David Lynch organized a benefit concert at Radio City Music Hall called "Change Begins Within" for the David Lynch Foundation, featuring performances by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donovan, Sheryl Crow, Eddie Vedder, Moby, Bettye LaVette, Ben Harper, and Mike Love.
2009: Interview Project
In 2009, David Lynch produced a documentary Web series directed by his son Austin Lynch and friend Jason S., Interview Project. He also collaborated on Werner Herzog's film My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done.
2009: Filming Interviews for Maharishi Documentary
In 2009, David Lynch went to India to film interviews with people who knew the Maharishi as part of a biographical documentary.
2009: Release of Dark Night of the Soul
In 2009, David Lynch's book-CD set "Dark Night of the Soul" was released.
May 2010: Release of Lady Blue Shanghai
In May 2010, David Lynch released "Lady Blue Shanghai", a 16-minute promotional film written, directed, and edited by him for Dior, on the Internet.
November 2010: Release of Electropop Singles
In November 2010, David Lynch released two electropop music singles, "Good Day Today" and "I Know", on the independent British label Sunday Best Recordings.
2010: Role on The Cleveland Show
From 2010 to 2013, David Lynch had acting roles on The Cleveland Show.
2010: Release of 'David Wants to Fly'
In 2010, the documentary 'David Wants to Fly' by German filmmaker David Sieveking, which follows Sieveking's exploration of Transcendental Meditation through David Lynch, was released.
March 23, 2011: Directing Duran Duran Concert
On March 23, 2011, David Lynch directed a concert by the English new wave band Duran Duran, which was streamed live on YouTube from the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles as the kickoff to the second season of Unstaged: An Original Series from American Express.
April 2011: Collaboration with Interpol
In April 2011, the animated short "I Touch a Red Button Man", a collaboration between David Lynch and the band Interpol, played in the background during Interpol's concert at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The short features Interpol's song "Lights".
September 29, 2011: Release of This Train
On September 29, 2011, David Lynch released "This Train" with vocalist Chrystabell on the La Rose Noire label.
October 2011: Opening of Silencio Nightclub in Paris
In October 2011, the Silencio nightclub, conceived and designed by David Lynch in collaboration with Raphael Navot, Enia, and Thierry Dreyfus, opened in Paris. This private members' club, inspired by the Mulholland Drive club, is open to the public after midnight, offering concerts, films, and other performances in a series of uniquely themed rooms.
November 2011: Release of Crazy Clown Time
In November 2011, David Lynch released "Crazy Clown Time", described as an "electronic blues album", with songs sung by Lynch and guest vocals by Karen O.
2011: Showing of 'Beyond The Noise: My Transcendental Meditation Journey'
In 2011, 'Beyond The Noise: My Transcendental Meditation Journey', an independent project starring David Lynch and directed by Dana Farley, was shown at film festivals including the Marbella Film Festival.
2011: Exhibiting at Kayne Griffin Corcoran
In 2011, David Lynch began exhibiting his paintings, drawings, and photography with Kayne Griffin Corcoran in Los Angeles.
June 2012: Lynch Discusses Future Projects
In a June 2012 interview, David Lynch mentioned that he lacked inspiration for a new movie project, but would work on one if he fell in love with an idea.
September 2012: Appearance on Louie
In September 2012, David Lynch appeared in the three-part "Late Show" arc on FX's "Louie" as Jack Dahl.
November 2012: Hints at New Film
In November 2012, while attending Plus Camerimage in Bydgoszcz, Poland, David Lynch hinted at plans for a new film, stating that "something is coming up". At Plus Camerimage, Lynch received a lifetime achievement award and the Key to the City from Bydgoszcz’s mayor, Rafał Bruski.
January 2013: Planning New Project with Laura Dern
In a January 2013 interview, Laura Dern confirmed that she and David Lynch were planning a new project.
February 2013: Release of Idem Paris
In February 2013, "Idem Paris", a short documentary film about the lithographic process directed by David Lynch, was released online.
June 28, 2013: Release of Nine Inch Nails Video
On June 28, 2013, a video David Lynch directed for the Nine Inch Nails song "Came Back Haunted" was released.
August 2013: Photography for Dumb Numbers' Album
In August 2013, David Lynch did the photography for the Dumb Numbers's self-titled album released.
2013: Role on The Cleveland Show
From 2010 to 2013, David Lynch had acting roles on The Cleveland Show.
2013: Statement on Transcendental Meditation
In 2013, David Lynch wrote, "Transcendental Meditation leads to a beautiful, peaceful revolution. A change from suffering and negativity to happiness and a life more and more free of any problems."
2013: Release of The Big Dream
In 2013, David Lynch's second studio album, "The Big Dream", was released and included the single "I'm Waiting Here", with Lykke Li.
September 12, 2014: Opening of "The Unified Field" Exhibition
On September 12, 2014, "The Unified Field", an exhibition of David Lynch's work, opened at his alma mater, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
October 6, 2014: Confirmation of New Twin Peaks Season
On October 6, 2014, David Lynch confirmed via Twitter that he and Mark Frost would start shooting a new, nine-episode season of Twin Peaks in 2015, expected to air in 2016 on Showtime. Lynch and Frost wrote all the episodes.
2014: Release of The Big Dream Remix EP
For Record Store Day 2014, David Lynch released "The Big Dream Remix EP", which featured four songs from his album remixed by various artists.
January 2015: Closing of "The Unified Field" Exhibition
In January 2015, "The Unified Field", an exhibition of David Lynch's work, closed at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
April 5, 2015: Lynch Initially Steps Down from Twin Peaks Revival
On April 5, 2015, David Lynch announced via Twitter that he was no longer going to direct the Twin Peaks revival because the budget was too low.
May 15, 2015: Lynch Returns to Twin Peaks Revival
On May 15, 2015, David Lynch announced via Twitter that he would return to the Twin Peaks revival, after sorting out his issues with Showtime. He would direct every episode and the season was extended to 18 episodes.
April 2016: Filming Completed for Twin Peaks Revival
By April 2016, filming was completed for the Twin Peaks revival.
May 21, 2017: Twin Peaks Revival Premiere
On May 21, 2017, the two-episode premiere of the Twin Peaks revival aired.
2017: Twin Peaks Third Season
In 2017, David Lynch worked on a third season of Twin Peaks.
2017: The Edward MacDowell Medal
In 2017, The MacDowell Colony awarded David Lynch The Edward MacDowell Medal for outstanding contributions to American culture.
June 2018: Publication of 'Room to Dream'
In June 2018, David Lynch, along with Kristine McKenna, published 'Room to Dream', a biography-memoir hybrid.
November 2018: Release of Thought Gang Album
In November 2018, a collaborative album by David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti, "Thought Gang", was released on vinyl and compact disc. The album was recorded around 1993 but not released at the time.
April 17, 2019: Release of Fire is Coming video
On April 17, 2019, a video accompanying the song "Fire is Coming" by Flying Lotus, featuring guest vocals by David Lynch, was released.
May 2019: Guest Vocals on Flying Lotus Track
In May 2019, David Lynch provided guest vocals on the track "Fire is Coming" by Flying Lotus. He also co-wrote the track that appears on Flying Lotus's album Flamagra.
2019: Views on Brain Utilization
In a 2019 interview by Alexander de Cadenet, David Lynch said that Transcendental Meditation utilizes the full brain for enlightenment and higher states of consciousness.
June 2020: Rerelease of Rabbits
In June 2020, David Lynch rereleased his 2002 web series Rabbits on YouTube.
July 17, 2020: Release of Face Masks
On July 17, 2020, David Lynch's store for merchandise released a set of face masks with his art on them for the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Support for Black Lives Matter
In 2020, David Lynch expressed support for the Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd in one of his daily weather report videos.
2020: Return to Weather Reports and New Series
In 2020, David Lynch returned to doing weather reports from his apartment in Los Angeles, along with two new series, "What is David Lynch Working on Today?", and "Today's Number Is..."
May 2021: Production of I Am the Shaman
In May 2021, David Lynch produced a track, "I Am the Shaman", by Scottish artist Donovan. The song was released on May 10, Donovan's 75th birthday, and Lynch also directed the accompanying video.
February 2022: Cast in The Fabelmans
In February 2022, it was announced that David Lynch had been cast in Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film "The Fabelmans" as John Ford.
April 2022: Transcendental Meditation Initiative Announcement
In April 2022, David Lynch announced a $500 million transcendental meditation world peace initiative to fund transcendental meditation for 30,000 college students.
December 16, 2022: Final Weather Report
On December 16, 2022, David Lynch did his final weather report.
2022: Role in The Fabelmans
In 2022, David Lynch appeared in the film The Fabelmans.
2022: Condemnation of Russian Invasion of Ukraine
In a 2022 weather report, David Lynch condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and addressed Vladimir Putin, stating there was "no room for this kind of absurdity anymore" and that Putin would reap what he had sown.
April 2023: End of Weather Reports and Series
In an April 2023 interview, David Lynch said that the weather report series, along with "What is David Lynch Working on Today?" and "Today's Number Is...", would not return.
August 2024: Release of Cellophane Memories
In August 2024, David Lynch released his final album, "Cellophane Memories", a collaboration between him and Chrystabell. He also directed videos for two tracks on the album, "Sublime Eternal Love" and "The Answers to the Questions".
2024: Equivalent cost of initial commission for Wasserman film
David Lynch receives a commission of 1,000 dollars (equivalent to 9,000 in 2024) to create a film installation in Wasserman's home.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Bernard Sanders is a prominent American politician serving as the...
Steven Spielberg is a highly influential American filmmaker recognized as...
The lion Panthera leo is a large cat species native...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Trending
19 days ago James Gunn Plans Superman Sequel Shooting Soon; Teases 'Peacemaker' Role in DCU.
19 days ago Motorcycle crash in Beloit on Cranston Road: Police investigate single-vehicle incident.
19 days ago Zion: Influencers' Storm, Hidden Trail & East Mesa Hike, Views and Fewer Crowds
19 days ago Qatar Airways and Accenture partner for AI-driven aviation excellence, creating 'AI Skyways'.
19 days ago Ketel Marte's Absence and Day Off Requests Cause Frustration Among Diamondbacks Teammates
19 days ago Jamie Lee Curtis Celebrates 'Freakier Friday' with Fan Event and Lookalike Screening
Popular
Lee Corso is an American sports broadcaster and college football...
Carson Beck is an American football quarterback currently playing for...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
Muhammad Ali nicknamed The Greatest was an iconic American professional...
Rudy Giuliani is an American politician and disbarred lawyer notable...
Robert F Kennedy Jr an American politician environmental lawyer author...