Early Life and Education of David Lynch: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of David Lynch. A timeline of key moments.

David Lynch is a celebrated American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor known for his surrealist and experimental films. His distinctive style has earned him widespread recognition as a visionary in cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, Lynch has garnered numerous awards, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and an Academy Honorary Award, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1915: Donald Walton Lynch Birth

In 1915, Donald Walton Lynch, David Lynch's father, was born. He later worked as a research scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

1919: Edwina "Sunny" Lynch Birth

In 1919, Edwina "Sunny" Lynch (née Sundholm), David Lynch's mother, was born. She later worked as an English language tutor.

January 20, 1946: David Keith Lynch Born

On January 20, 1946, David Keith Lynch was born in Missoula, Montana. This marks the beginning of the life of the American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor.

1952: First Film

In 1952, David Lynch watched his first film, Henry King's "Wait till the Sun Shines, Nellie".

1963: Reaction to John F. Kennedy's assassination

In 1963, David Lynch was the first in his school to hear about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, as he was working on a display case rather than attending class.

1964: Transfer to School of the Museum of Fine Arts

In 1964, David Lynch transferred to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, with musician Peter Wolf.

1967: Marriage to Peggy Reavey

In 1967, David Lynch began a relationship with and married Peggy Reavey, a fellow student at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

January 1968: Marriage to Peggy Reavey

In January 1968, David Lynch married Peggy Reavey. They had one child, Jennifer Lynch.

1968: Mention of Beatles' practice of Transcendental Meditation

In September 2024, David Lynch made his last published broadcast speech at Meditate America 2024, discussing the Beatles' practice of TM in India in 1968 and playing a cover of "Across the Universe".

1970: Move to Los Angeles and AFI Conservatory

In 1970, David Lynch moved with his family to Los Angeles and began studying filmmaking at the AFI Conservatory.

July 1973: Initiation into Transcendental Meditation

In July 1973, David Lynch was initiated into Transcendental Meditation and consistently practiced the technique thereafter.

1973: Transcendental Meditation

In 1973, David Lynch's sister suggested that he try Transcendental Meditation, which he has practiced ever since.

1974: Divorce from Peggy Reavey

In 1974, David Lynch and Peggy Reavey filed for divorce, ending their marriage.

1975: First meeting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

In 1975, David Lynch first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement, at the Spiritual Regeneration Movement center in Los Angeles.

June 1977: Marriage to Mary Fisk

In June 1977, David Lynch married Mary Fisk. They later had a child named Austin Jack Lynch in 1982.

1977: Marriage to Mary Fisk

In 1977, David Lynch married Mary Fisk, the sister of Jack Fisk.

1977: Mention of 1977 Roman Polanski charges

In 2009, David Lynch signed a petition supporting Roman Polanski after his detention for 1977 sexual abuse charges, arguing the arrest undermined film festivals as safe places for works to be shown.

1982: Birth of Austin Jack Lynch

In 1982, David Lynch and Mary Fisk welcomed their child, Austin Jack Lynch.

1984: Vote for Ronald Reagan

In 1984, David Lynch voted for Ronald Reagan in the presidential election.

1985: Separation from Mary Fisk

In 1985, David Lynch and Mary Fisk separated.

1986: Relationship with Isabella Rossellini begins

In 1986, David Lynch began a relationship with actress Isabella Rossellini; they lived together until 1991.

1987: Divorce from Mary Fisk

In 1987, David Lynch and Mary Fisk divorced, finalizing the end of their marriage.

1991: End of relationship with Isabella Rossellini

In 1991, David Lynch's relationship with actress Isabella Rossellini ended after living together since 1986.

1992: Birth of Riley Sweeney Lynch

In 1992, David Lynch and his editor, Mary Sweeney, had a son named Riley Sweeney Lynch.

2000: Endorsement of the Natural Law Party

In the 2000 presidential election, David Lynch endorsed the Natural Law Party, known for advocating Transcendental Meditation.

2003: "Millionaire's Enlightenment Course"

In 2003, David Lynch became close with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during a month-long "Millionaire's Enlightenment Course," which cost $1 million.

July 2005: Launch of the David Lynch Foundation

In July 2005, David Lynch launched the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and Peace to fund scholarships for students learning Transcendental Meditation and research its effects.

September 2005: College campus tour promoting Transcendental Meditation

In September 2005, David Lynch, along with John Hagelin and Fred Travis, began a tour promoting Transcendental Meditation on college campuses.

December 2005: Investment in meditation building project

As of December 2005, David Lynch had spent $400,000 of his own money and raised $1 million in donations towards building seven buildings for 8,000 people to practice advanced meditation techniques.

May 2006: Marriage to Mary Sweeney

In May 2006, David Lynch married Mary Sweeney, who had worked as his editor, producer, and co-writer.

December 2006: Continued pursuit of meditation building project

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: Political philosophy described

In 2006, David Lynch described his political philosophy, stating he previously considered himself a libertarian but now identifies as a Democrat due to smoking regulations, despite not fully aligning with either party.

2008: Attendance at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's funeral

In 2008, David Lynch attended the funeral of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India, praising his revolutionary impact on millions of lives.

April 4, 2009: "Change Begins Within" concert

On April 4, 2009, David Lynch organized the "Change Begins Within" benefit concert at Radio City Music Hall for the David Lynch Foundation, featuring artists such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donovan, Sheryl Crow, and Eddie Vedder.

2009: Marriage to Emily Stofle

In 2009, David Lynch married actress Emily Stofle, who had appeared in "Inland Empire" and the "Twin Peaks" revival.

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2009: Support for Roman Polanski

In 2009, David Lynch signed a petition supporting director Roman Polanski after his detention for 1977 sexual abuse charges, arguing the arrest undermined film festivals as safe places for works to be shown.

2009: Filming of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi biographical documentary

In 2009, David Lynch traveled to India to film interviews with people who knew Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as part of a biographical documentary.

2010: Release of "David Wants to Fly"

In 2010, "David Wants to Fly", a documentary by David Sieveking, was released, following Sieveking's exploration of Transcendental Meditation under David Lynch's influence, ultimately leading to his disillusionment with the movement.

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. Inspired by Mulholland Drive, it offers access to concerts, films, and performances and is open to the public after midnight.

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.

2012: Birth of Lula Boginia Lynch

In 2012, David Lynch and Emily Stofle welcomed their child, Lula Boginia Lynch.

2012: Support for Barack Obama

In the 2012 presidential election, David Lynch stated he would vote for Democratic incumbent Barack Obama.

2013: Promotion of Transcendental Meditation

In 2013, David Lynch wrote about Transcendental Meditation, emphasizing its capacity to create a peaceful revolution and a life free of problems.

2016: Political endorsements in the 2016 U.S. presidential election

In 2016, during the U.S. presidential election, David Lynch endorsed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries and Gary Johnson, the Libertarian nominee, in the general election.

2017: Emily Stofle appears in Twin Peaks revival

In 2017, David Lynch's wife Emily Stofle appeared in his Twin Peaks revival

June 2018: Publication of "Room to Dream"

In June 2018, David Lynch published "Room to Dream," a biography-memoir hybrid written with Kristine McKenna.

Room to Dream

Check it on Amazon

June 2018: Comments on Donald Trump's presidency

In a June 2018 interview with The Guardian, David Lynch commented that Donald Trump could potentially be "one of the greatest presidents in history" due to his disruption of the country, although he later clarified that his words were taken out of context and that he did not support Trump's divisive policies.

2019: Views on Transcendental Meditation

In a 2019 interview by British artist Alexander de Cadenet, David Lynch discussed Transcendental Meditation as an experience that utilizes the full brain, leading to higher states of consciousness.

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 during one of his daily weather report videos.

2020: Emphysema Diagnosis

In August 2024, David Lynch revealed in an interview that he had been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020 due to a lifetime of smoking, leading to being housebound and likely preventing him from directing new projects.

April 2022: Announcement of a $500 million transcendental meditation world peace initiative

In April 2022, David Lynch announced a $500 million transcendental meditation world peace initiative, which aimed to fund transcendental meditation for 30,000 college students.

2022: Quitting Smoking and reliance on supplemental oxygen

David Lynch quit smoking in 2022 after starting at the age of eight and became reliant on supplemental oxygen for most daily activities.

2022: Condemnation of Russian invasion of Ukraine

In a 2022 weather report, David Lynch condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and addressed Vladimir Putin directly, criticizing the absurdity of the situation.

2023: Emily Stofle files for divorce

In 2023, David Lynch's wife Emily Stofle filed for divorce.

August 2024: Diagnosis of emphysema and limited mobility

September 2024: Last published broadcast speech

In September 2024, David Lynch made his last published broadcast speech at Meditate America 2024, discussing the Beatles' practice of TM in India in 1968 and playing a cover of "Across the Universe".

December 20, 2024: Divorce settlement agreement with Emily Stofle reached

On December 20, 2024, a divorce settlement agreement was reached between David Lynch and Emily Stofle, although the final divorce decree was not issued before Lynch's death.

2024: Value of House Purchase

In 1967 David Lynch and Peggy Reavey bought a 12-room house for $3,500, equivalent to $33,000 in 2024.

2024: Value of Commission

In 1967 H. Barton Wasserman, commissioned David Lynch for $1,000 (equivalent to $9,000 in 2024) to create a film installation in his home

January 2025: Death from emphysema

In January 2025, David Lynch died from complications of emphysema after being evacuated from his home due to the Southern California wildfires. He was a life long smoker.

January 2025: Evacuation due to wildfires and Death

In January 2025, David Lynch was evacuated from his Los Angeles home due to Southern California wildfires. He died at his daughter's home in Los Angeles on the morning of January 16, at the age of 78.

January 16, 2025: David Keith Lynch Death

On January 16, 2025, David Keith Lynch passed away due to complications of emphysema after being evacuated from his home due to the Southern California wildfires.