David Lynch -- the groundbreaking director behind "Mulholland Drive" and television's "Twin Peaks," who gained a cult following for his unsettling portraits of American life -- has died. He was 78 years old.

An enigmatic artist who turned his hand to arthouse and blockbuster film, television, painting and music, Lynch was considered first and foremost one of US cinema's great auteurs.

"It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch," read a statement on his official Facebook page.

"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.'"

The cause and location of death were not specified. Lynch, who lived in Los Angeles, had suffered from emphysema after years of heavy smoking.

He emerged on the US indie scene with his groundbreaking 1977 horror "Eraserhead," a creepy and now cult classic shot on a shoestring budget over five years because he kept running out of money and had a wife and daughter to support.

Lynch acquired a devoted following with critically adored films including sadomasochist mystery "Blue Velvet" (1986) and surreal thriller........

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