After being diagnosed with emphysema, David Lynch now relies on supplemental oxygen to get around, even if it's just across the room.

David Lynch began smoking when he was just 8 years old, but the director has now been diagnosed with emphysema and tells People he relies on supplemental oxygen to get around, even if it's just across the room.

"" Lynch said. " Lynch added that he kept smoking for two years after his initial diagnosis in 2020 before he finally called it quits for good. "" Lynch said. ""

It's hard to picture Lynch without a cigarette in his hand, and he admits that it was a very important part of his life and creative process. "" he said. "" While his health struggles are a "" Lynch says he doesn't regret his decades of smoking: ""

However, the disease is now keeping Lynch from doing what he loves most: making movies. "" he said. "" Lynch added that he hopes his experiences will be valuable to other smokers. "" he said. ""

Despite the diagnosis, Lynch has previously said he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon and is hopeful that he could try directing remotely in the future. The director's last major project was Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017. He directed all 18 episodes of the series and co-wrote the scripts with Mark Frost.