Naomi Watts Pays Tribute to David Lynch
Naomi Watts Tribute
Naomi Watts is mourning the loss of her Mulholland Drive director, David Lynch, who died at the age of 78, his family announced on Thursday, Jan. 16.
On Instagram, Watts, 56, shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on her relationship with Lynch both professionally and personally. “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him. His creative mentorship was truly powerful,” she wrote. The post included two photos—one of her kissing Lynch’s lipstick-stained cheek—and a behind-the-scenes clip where Lynch invited her to slap him playfully.
Watts continued, “He put me on the map. I had been trying to break into the industry for over a decade, facing constant rejection. Then I met this curious man, beaming with light, who made me laugh and feel at ease.” She expressed gratitude for his wisdom, humor, and encouragement, which helped her believe in herself in a way she never had before. “David’s storytelling elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers worldwide. I cannot believe he’s gone. I’m in pieces but forever grateful for our friendship.”
Watts has long credited Lynch for her career breakthrough. On the 20th anniversary of Mulholland Drive in 2021, she acknowledged the film’s impact on her life, stating, “This film changed my career. David Lynch changed my life. I’m forever grateful.”
The two collaborated again on Lynch’s 2006 experimental film Inland Empire, which included footage of Watts from his 2002 online project Rabbits. She also starred in his 2017 Twin Peaks revival, playing Janey-E Jones in a 10-episode arc.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Watts recalled her early struggles in Hollywood, stating she often felt defeated and unseen. “I was giving myself away, my soul was being destroyed. David changed that. He made eye contact, asked genuine questions, and took the time to unveil the layers of who I was.”
Lynch, a four-time Oscar nominee, is survived by his four children. His loss has resonated deeply within the film community. Twin Peaks and Dune star Kyle MacLachlan also paid tribute, stating, “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.”
Watts’ recent projects include Netflix’s The Watcher and The Friend alongside Bill Murray. Her performance in FX’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans has earned her nominations at the Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and the upcoming Critics Choice Awards.
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