Laura Dern pays tribute to David Lynch on director’s 79th birthday
Laura Dern has posted a tribute to director David Lynch on what would have been his 79th birthday (January 20). The film-maker passed away on January 15.
The news was broken last week by his family via his Facebook page. “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 read.
“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”.
On Instagram, Dern post an image of herself and Lynch with the caption “Happy birthday, tidbit. I will love and miss you every day for the rest of my life”. “Tidbit” is in reference to Lynch’s nickname for Dern.
The pair first worked together in 1986 Noir Blue Velvet, then in 1990’s Wild At Heart and the 2006 drama Inland Empire. She would also appear in his 2017 series Twin Peaks: The Return.
Lynch campaigned for Dern to be considered for an Academy Award for Inland Empire by sitting on an LA sidewalk with a live cow and a large picture of the actor. At the star’s Hollywood Walk Of Fame ceremony, Lynch paid tribute to her by declaring “I love Laura Dern! A big thank you to Dianne Ladd and Bruce Dern for the birth of Laura Dern”.
The way David Lynch sat outside The Academy like this for Laura Dern’s Oscar consideration will always be my favourite antic of his. pic.twitter.com/Ii2oLJWTfr
— BeccySpaghetti
(@beccyspaghetti) January 16, 2025
As Laura Dern’s birthday comes to an end, some final words from David Lynch: pic.twitter.com/SJEZ0tZROU
— The Heart Broke (@TheHeartBroke) February 11, 2022
Dern has forged a celebrated career in cinema, starring in Jurassic Park, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Marriage Story, for which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Last year, she revealed she was forced to quit college aged 17 over her involvement with Blue Velvet, being told “You are no longer welcome”.
Tributes have poured in from all over the entertainment industry since Lynch’s passing. Legendary director Steven Spielberg described him as “an original and unique voice”, recalling their work together on The Fabelmans. Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos revealed Lynch was planning a new series for the streamer “filled with mystery and risks”.
Figures in the gaming industry have also posted about the director’s influence on some of the most popular games in history.
The post Laura Dern pays tribute to David Lynch on director’s 79th birthday appeared first on NME.
Victoria Luxford
NME
