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

Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and more have paid tribute to David Lynch, the visionary director behind “Twin Peaks” and “Blue Velvet” who died on Thursday at 78 years old. "I loved David's films. ‘Blue Velvet,

Lynch’s death inspired tributes from fellow filmmakers, celebrities and past collaborators, who praised his visionary work and singular voice.

The filmmaker, who died this week, mixed the menacing with the everyday, the banal with the surreal and sublime.

Longtime friend and collaborator Kyle MacLachlan paid tribute to Lynch on Instagram: “Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big budget movie. He clearly saw something in me that even I didn’t recognize. I owe my entire career, and life really, to his vision.

Steven Spielberg, Nicolas Cage, and Kyle MacLachlan are among the prominent figures paying tribute to David Lynch, whose death was announced Thursday. “I loved David’s films. Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive,

David Lynch, who died Thursday at age 78, was remembered by his many collaborators, as well as those he inspired, such as "Donnie Darko" director Richard Kelly.

David Lynch, the legendary director of "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive," is dead at 78, his family announced Jan. 16 on Facebook.

The distinguished American director David Lynch died yesterday after battling emphysema, a lung disease caused by smoking. Hollywood is mourning the passing of the visionary and iconic director and remembering his legacy in the film industry.

Hollywood icon and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has offered a heartfelt tribute to visionary director David Lynch, and has also recalled his movies.

Find out where to stream as many David Lynch movies as you can – including "Mulholland Drive" and "Twin Peaks."