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 highly influential and acclaimed American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor known for his surrealist and experimental style. His career, spanning over five decades, has earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and an Academy Honorary Award. Lynch is widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history, distinguished by his unique artistic vision.

Sections (5)

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

January 20, 1946: David Lynch's Birth

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

1963: News of JFK Assassination

In 1963, David Lynch, then in school, was the first to hear about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy because he was working on a display case.

1964: Transfer to School of the Museum of Fine Arts

In 1964, David Lynch transferred to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with musician Peter Wolf, marking a change in his educational path.

1967: Marriage to Peggy Reavey

In 1967, David Lynch married Peggy Reavey, a fellow student, marking a significant life event.

January 1968: Marriage to Peggy Reavey

In January 1968, David Lynch married Peggy Reavey, and they had a child together, Jennifer Lynch.

1968: Beatles' Visit to India

David Lynch discussed the Beatles' visit to India in 1968 and their practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) during his speech at Meditate America in September 2024.

1970: Enrollment at AFI Conservatory

In 1970, David Lynch moved to Los Angeles and began studying filmmaking at the AFI Conservatory, marking a shift in his career focus.

July 1973: Initiation into Transcendental Meditation

In July 1973, David Lynch was initiated into Transcendental Meditation, which he practiced consistently afterwards.

1973: Start of Transcendental Meditation Practice

In 1973, David Lynch began practicing Transcendental Meditation after his sister suggested it. He has practiced it twice a day ever since.

1974: Divorce from Peggy Reavey

In 1974, David Lynch and Peggy Reavey divorced.

1975: First Meeting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

In 1975, David Lynch met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for the first time at the Spiritual Regeneration Movement center in Los Angeles.

June 1977: Marriage to Mary Fisk

In June 1977, David Lynch married Mary Fisk.

1977: Marriage to Mary Fisk

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

1977: Roman Polanski's Arrest

In 1977, Roman Polanski was arrested for alleged sexual abuse, which later led to a petition of support signed by David Lynch in 2009.

1982: Birth of Austin Jack Lynch

In 1982, David Lynch and Mary Fisk had a 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

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

1987: Divorce from Mary Fisk

In 1987, David Lynch and Mary Fisk divorced.

1991: End of Relationship with Isabella Rossellini

In 1991, David Lynch's relationship with actress Isabella Rossellini ended.

1992: Birth of Riley Sweeney Lynch

In 1992, David Lynch and his editor, Mary Sweeney, had a son, 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 the Maharishi 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 interested in Transcendental Meditation and research on its effects.

September 2005: College Campus Tour to Promote Transcendental Meditation

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

December 2005: Investment in Peace 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 advanced meditation practices.

May 2006: Marriage to Mary Sweeney

In May 2006, David Lynch married Mary Sweeney, who was also his producer.

December 2006: Report on Continued Peace Project Goal

In December 2006, The New York Times reported that David Lynch continued to pursue his goal of establishing buildings for advanced meditation practices.

2006: Lynch Describes His Political Philosophy

In 2006, David Lynch described his political philosophy, stating he once considered himself a libertarian but had become a Democrat due to smoking regulations.

2008: Attendance at Maharishi's Funeral

In 2008, David Lynch attended the Maharishi's funeral in India.

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 Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donovan, and others.

2009: Marriage to Emily Stofle

In 2009, David Lynch married actress Emily Stofle.

2009: Support for Roman Polanski Petition

In 2009, David Lynch signed a petition supporting Roman Polanski after his detention relating to a 1977 arrest for alleged sexual abuse.

October 2011: Opening of Silencio Nightclub in Paris

In October 2011, David Lynch's designed nightclub 'Silencio' opened in Paris. It is a private members' club accessible to the public after midnight, offering concerts, films, and performances.

2012: Birth of Lula Boginia Lynch

In 2012, David Lynch and Emily Stofle had a child, Lula Boginia Lynch.

2012: Planned Vote for Barack Obama

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

2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders and Vote for Gary Johnson

In 2016, David Lynch endorsed Bernie Sanders for the U.S. presidential election, voting for him in the Democratic primaries. He later voted for Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson in the general election.

June 2018: Comments on Donald Trump's Presidency

In June 2018, David Lynch said that Donald Trump could go down as "one of the greatest presidents in history" because he has disrupted the country so much, later clarifying that his words were taken out of context.

2020: Support for Black Lives Matter Protests

In 2020, David Lynch expressed support for Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd.

April 2022: $500 Million Transcendental Meditation Initiative

In April 2022, David Lynch announced a $500 million transcendental meditation world peace initiative.

2022: Condemnation of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, David Lynch condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and addressed Vladimir Putin directly.

2022: Quitting Smoking

In 2022, David Lynch quit smoking, after starting when he was eight years old; he also revealed in August 2024 that he relied on supplemental oxygen and could hardly walk.

2023: Emily Stofle Files for Divorce

In 2023, Emily Stofle filed for divorce from David Lynch.

September 2024: Last Broadcast Speech at Meditate America 2024

In September 2024, David Lynch made his last published broadcast speech at Meditate America 2024. He discussed the Beatles' practice of TM and played a cover of "Across the Universe".

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December 20, 2024: Divorce Settlement Agreement Reached

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

2024: Value of Fairmount Home in 2024

In 1967, David Lynch and his wife bought a 12-room house for $3,500. In 2024, that same house's value would be equivalent to $33,000 due to inflation.

2024: Value of Wasserman's Commission in 2024

In 1967, H. Barton Wasserman commissioned Lynch to create a film installation in his home for $1,000. In 2024, that amount would be equivalent to $9,000 due to inflation.

January 2025: Evacuation Due to Wildfires and Death

In January 2025, David Lynch was evacuated from his Los Angeles home due to wildfires, preceding his death at his daughter's home on January 15 at the age of 78.

February 2025: Public Report of Death Certificate

In February 2025, David Lynch's death certificate was publicly reported, citing cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dehydration as causes. He was cremated and buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.