Legendary Filmmaker David Lynch Dies at 78 — A Look Back at His Net Worth
Most of David Lynch's wealth came from his successful career as a filmmaker.
Published Jan. 16 2025, 2:30 p.m. ET
In early January 2025, David Lynch evacuated his Los Angeles home due to the Southern California wildfires. These events occurred before a terminal decline in his health, as on Jan. 16, 2025, his family announced his passing at the age of 78.
As we reflect on David Lynch's extraordinary life and legacy, many are also curious about his net worth. Here's what you need to know.
What was David Lynch's net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, David Lynch's net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be a whopping $70 million. As expected, most of his wealth came from his successful career as a filmmaker, TV director, musician, visual artist, and occasional actor.
David Lynch
Filmmaker
Net worth: $70 million
David Lynch was a celebrated filmmaker and artist known for his surreal and unsettling works, including Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and the hit TV series Twin Peaks.
Birthdate: Jan. 20, 1946
Birthplace: Missoula, Mont.
Date of death: Jan. 16, 2025
Mother: Edwina "Sunny" Lynch (née Sundberg; 1919-2004)
Father: Donald Walton Lynch (1915-2007)
Siblings: John and Martha
Marriages: Peggy Lentz (m. 1968; div. 1974); Mary Fisk (m. 1977; div. 1987); Mary Sweeney (m. 2006; div. 2007); Emily Stofle (m. 2009; div. 2024)
Children: Jennifer Lynch, Austin Jack Lynch, Riley Sweeney Lynch, and Lula Boginia Lynch.
David Lynch directed 10 feature films during his lifetime, many of which earned millions. He also made significant money from commercials and music videos. His iconic TV series Twin Peaks was a major financial success, as were its prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and the revival Twin Peaks: The Return.
Additionally, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker made money through his music, with albums like "BlueBOB," "Crazy Clown Time," and "The Big Dream." Lynch was also a prolific visual artist, selling his paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
David Lynch also earned royalties from his books, including Catching the Big Fish and Room to Dream. He also monetized his personal website, which featured exclusive content, including videos, his absurdist series Dumbland, and a daily weather report.
He also sold his own line of organic coffee, available through his website and at Whole Foods, which added to his considerable earnings.
Our thoughts are with David's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.