David Lynch, the visionary director behind masterpieces like Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, passed away on January 15, 2025. He was 78. The news, shared through his official Facebook page, was accompanied by a heartfelt message from his family:
“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. 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.’”
Known for his distinct vision and surreal storytelling, Lynch carved out a career that redefined filmmaking over nearly 50 years. With honors like the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and an honorary Academy Award in 2019, his contributions to cinema were celebrated worldwide. From the haunting beauty of Mulholland Drive to his unforgettable role as FBI agent Gordon Cole in Twin Peaks, Lynch’s work captivated audiences with its bold artistry and emotional depth.
While Lynch’s career earned him global admiration, his personal life has always drawn intrigue. At the time of his death, the legendary director was reportedly in the process of finalizing a divorce from his fourth wife, Emily Stofle.
But what about the woman who shared his life before her? Here’s a look at his journey from his first wife to his final marriage.
His Last Wife Was Emily Stofle
Lynch’s last marriage was to actress Emily Stofle, a relationship that seemed straight out of one of his films—full of intrigue, collaboration, and an ending that left more questions than answers. The two tied the knot on February 26, 2009, after working together on his 2006 surrealist epic Inland Empire. Emily later returned to Lynch’s world in the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks.
Born on March 14, 1978, in Hayward, California, Stofle established her own acting career with appearances in films like Ted Bundy (2002) before stepping into Lynch’s orbit.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Lula Boginia Lynch, on August 28, 2012. Interestingly, her name mirrors that of Lula Fortune, the fiery lead character from David Lynch’s 1990 cult classic Wild at Heart, portrayed by Laura Dern.
But like many chapters in Lynch’s story, this one didn’t have a Hollywood ending. In 2023, Stofle filed for divorce. By December 20, 2024, they had reached a settlement agreement, but the ink on their divorce papers was still drying when Lynch passed away.
His Other Wives: From First to Third
Lynch’s journey through love and marriage was as complex as his films. Before his union with Emily, the renowned filmmaker had been married three times.
His first marriage was to Peggy Reavey in January 1968. That same year, their daughter, Jennifer Lynch, was born on April 7. Jennifer would later follow in her father’s creative footsteps, making her directorial debut with Boxing Helena in 1993. However, the marriage didn’t last, and the couple divorced in 1974.
In June 1977, Lynch married Mary Fisk. Their relationship brought another addition to his family—a son, Austin Jack Lynch, born in 1982. Despite the promise of their early years together, the marriage ended in separation in 1985 and was finalized in 1987.
His third marriage, to Mary Sweeney, added an intriguing professional element to the mix. Sweeney, who worked closely with Lynch as a producer and co-writer on The Straight Story, became his wife in May 2006. However, their marital chapter was strikingly brief. Although they had already welcomed their son, Riley Sweeney Lynch, in 1992, the couple filed for divorce in June of the same year they married.
His romantic connections weren’t limited to his marriages. Between 1986 and 1991, David was in a relationship with actress Isabella Rossellini.
