The entertainment world is mourning the passing of David Lynch, a legendary director known for his unmistakable style, so much so that his name has become synonymous with a unique approach to filmmaking.

His family announced his death through a Facebook post on Thursday, stating that “there is a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us.” The esteemed creator of “Eraserhead” and co-creator of “Twin Peaks” was 78 years old.

The cause of death was not disclosed; however, Lynch had shared last year that he was battling emphysema and was confined to his home.

Tributes have quickly begun to flow in from fans and colleagues alike, including renowned director Steven Spielberg, who featured Lynch in his 2022 film “The Fabelmans.” Lynch took on the role of director John Ford, who encounters the aspiring filmmaker Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), a character inspired by Spielberg himself. This particular scene was based on an actual meeting Spielberg had with Ford.

“I admired David’s films,” Spielberg stated in a message to YSL News. “‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Mulholland Drive,’ and ‘(The) Elephant Man’ showcased him as a unique, visionary artist whose films felt handcrafted.”

“I first got to know David when he portrayed John Ford in ‘The Fabelmans.’ Here was one of my idols—David Lynch playing one of my idols. It was surreal, almost like a scene from one of David’s own films. The world will deeply feel the absence of such an original and distinct voice. His films have already withstood the test of time and will continue to do so.”

Kyle MacLachlan: My Career is Thanks to David Lynch

Actor Kyle MacLachlan, who featured in multiple projects by Lynch, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram on Thursday, describing the director as “an enigmatic and intuitive individual with an immense creative flow.”

“Forty-two years ago, for reasons I still don’t quite understand, David Lynch selected me from obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget film,” MacLachlan reflected, recalling his role as Paul Atreides in 1984’s “Dune.” “He obviously recognized something in me that I didn’t even see. His vision shaped my entire career, and really, my life.”

“While the world has lost an extraordinary artist, I have lost a dear friend who envisioned a future for me and opened up worlds I could never have imagined,” he added. “Our bond was a result of cosmic fate, as we recognized the best things within each other.”

He concluded with, “I will miss him more than words can express and my heart can hold. My life is richer for having known him, and now it feels emptier in his absence.”

Tributes from James Gunn, Nicolas Cage, and Others for David Lynch

On X, director Ron Howard remembered Lynch as “a gracious man and a fearless artist who chased his heart and soul, proving that bold experimentation could result in unforgettable cinema.”

“Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn shared that Lynch “inspired so many of us,” while comedian Patton Oswalt humorously remarked, “David Lynch, RIP. At least that’s what the horse wearing a fez just told me in a dream. (*Backwards and in Swedish).”

Lynch’s films are renowned for their surreal quality, resulting in films with a similar vibe often being labeled “Lynchian.” One such movie that critics likened to his work is “I Saw the TV Glow.” Its director, Jane Schoenbrun, offered a heartfelt tribute on X.

“Like Kafka, like Bacon, he devoted his life to opening a portal,” Schoenbrun stated of Lynch. “He was the first to reveal a different world to me, one filled with love and danger that I sensed but had never seen outside of dreams. Thank you, David; your legacy will resonate with me for the rest of my life.”

On Instagram, Questlove posted images with Lynch, calling him his “guiding creative light” during his book “Something to Food About.” The musician mentioned how Lynch was the “first person to emphasize the importance of not overworking, taking time to breathe, meditate, and seek creativity outside of my comfort zone.” He appreciated Lynch for frequently inviting him to his gatherings and underscoring the significance of self-care.

In a message to Deadline, Nicolas Cage, who appeared in Lynch’s film “Wild at Heart,” expressed that the director “was courageous, brilliant, and a maverick with a delightful sense of humor,” adding, “I have never experienced more joy on a film set than when I worked with David Lynch. He will always remain a treasure.”

Contributing: Edward Segarra.