Did David Lynch date Isabella Rossellini? Blue Velvet director’s creative relationship with actress explored

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. Deadline reported that his health took a hit when he was forced to evacuate his home in Los Angeles in the wake of the ongoing wildfires.

David Lynch, who is most known for having directed Wild at Heart and Mulholland Drive, first met Isabella Rossellini when the actress made her breakthrough in the director's 1986 film Blue Velvet. The two began dating in 1986, and right after they finalized their divorces with their respective partners, they went public. They dated for about five years, having parted ways in 1991.

Reflecting on the demise of her former partner, Isabella Rossellini took to Instagram to pen a simple message:

"I loved him so much. Thanks for all your kind messages.”

All about David Lynch: The life and legacy he leaves behind

David Lynch's family confirmed his passing in a post on Facebook. Read the statement below:

"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." It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."

David Lynch, who was diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, told People Magazine back in November 2024 that smoking was a huge part of his life. The director, who was 78 at the time, said:

"I loved the smell of tobacco, the taste of tobacco. I loved lighting cigarettes. It was part of being a painter and a filmmaker for me.”

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that leaves the afflicted with shortness of breath. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Lynch revealed that he tried to quit “many, many times, but when it got tough, I’d have that first cigarette, and it was a one-way trip to heaven," he said. “Then you’re back smoking again.”

As for his relationship with Isabella Rossellini, as reported by Far Out Magazine, the actress once recounted how she went on to star in one of his most famous works, Blue Velvet:

“We met at a dinner party [hosted by] a friend in New York and the first thing David said to me was, ‘You know you look like you could be Ingrid Bergman’s daughter’ which caused one of our friends to say ‘You idiot, she is Ingrid Bergman’s daughter!'”

Later in her life, Rosselini would come to reflect on the role David Lynch played in her life:

"David was the big love of my life. And I believed that he loved me the same way, but obviously I was mistaken. All my instincts told me we were a happy couple, but we weren’t.”

Despite having broken up, David Lynch and Isabella Rossellini remained good friends. Lynch later went on to marry and divorce his fourth wife. He now leaves behind his four children.