(NEXSTAR) – David Lynch, the filmmaker and director behind such movies as “Eraserhead,” “Blue Velvet” and the TV series “Twin Peaks,” has died, his family announced in a message posted to his official Facebook page. Lynch was 78.

“The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child,” a synopsis from Thalian Hall states.

The director, who was 78, was known for films and TV shows like 'Blue Velvet,' 'Mulholland Drive' and 'Twin Peaks.'

Isabella Rossellini, who had her breakout role in David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” and went on to date the man for five years, paid tribute to the late director following his death. “I loved him so much. Thanks for all your kind messages,” Rossellini wrote on Instagram on Friday morning, posting a photo of her with Lynch.

David Lynch, the Oscar-nominated director of surrealistic films including "Eraserhead," "Blue Velvet" and "Mulholland Drive," and the co-creator of the cult drama series "Twin Peaks," has died, his family announced.

David Lynch, the iconic legendary director, has passed away at the age of 78. Per The Guardian, Lynch was afflicted with emphysema, though the exact cause of death remains unknown.

Isabella Rossellini has paid tribute to David Lynch — whose death was announced yesterday — with a post on Instagram. Rossellini shared an image of the pair embracing. The caption read: “I loved him so much. Thanks for all your kind messages.”

Mulholland Drive star Watts said Lynch “put me on the map” with her 2001 break-out film about the dark side of Hollywood, which earned him the award for best director at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival alongside an Oscar nod. “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” Watts wrote on Instagram.

Iconic director and musician David Lynch has died, leaving behind an incredible legacy of work and personal success. Known for his signature 'Lynchian' weird style and haunting themes, Lynch was behind a string of box office hits that helped build his personal wealth.

David Lynch, the American filmmaker, writer and artist who scored best director Oscar nominations for "Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man" and "Mulholland Drive" and co-created the groundbreaking TV series "Twin Peaks,

LOS ANGELES - David Lynch, renowned filmmaker and artist, has died, according to a post published on his official Facebook account. He was 78 years old.

David Lynch -- the singular and surreal director of "Mulholland Drive" and television's "Twin Peaks," who depicted the darkness lurking beneath the wholesome surface of American life -- has died. He was 78 years old.