Naomi Watts and Laura Dern shared a meaningful lunch with the legendary filmmaker David Lynch shortly before his passing, yet they could clearly perceive the creative energy still flourishing within him.

While the loss of David Lynch continues to resonate deeply, Naomi Watts expressed that the iconic director had no intention of stepping away from his craft; he was eager to return to work. In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Watts recounted that she had the opportunity to have lunch with Lynch and fellow actress Laura Dern in late November, just before Lynch’s health declined further.

“We had a beautiful lunch at his house,” Watts recalled fondly. “Although I knew he had been unwell, he was remarkably in high spirits. He expressed a strong desire to return to filmmaking — Laura and I encouraged him, saying, ‘You can do it! You could work from the trailer.’ He was far from finished. I could see that creative spirit still shining through him.”

David Lynch cast Naomi Watts in his critically acclaimed film Mulholland Drive, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a profound mentorship and friendship. Following this collaboration, Watts continued to work with Lynch on several projects, including Rabbits, Inland Empire, and Twin Peaks: The Return. “I had thought I would see him again in a couple of weeks after that last lunch, as I was in L.A.,” Watts shared. “There’s so much I could share, but I want to respect the privacy of his family. Nevertheless, it was an incredibly powerful meeting that filled me with immense love and hope.”

Watts did, however, share a cherished memory from their final encounter. “I accidentally took a picture,” she revealed. “While we were trying to capture a photo of the three of us, my camera remained open, and I unintentionally snapped a picture of the stunning architecture of his house and two palm trees. It perfectly encapsulated the essence of L.A. and David Lynch. I sent him both the group photo and that spontaneous shot, which conveyed so much emotion. It featured a perfect blue sky, reflecting his love for that space — blue skies, hope, magic, and a dreamy atmosphere. I texted him, and he responded with an extraordinary message that only David could craft.”

While Lynch’s response remains private, it left a lasting impression.

Following Lynch’s passing, Watts took to Instagram to pay tribute, stating, “The world will not be the same without him. His creative mentorship was profoundly influential. He was instrumental in launching my career. After struggling for over ten years, failing auditions time and again, I finally found myself sitting in front of a man who radiated light, sharing words that felt timeless, making me laugh and feel at home. How did he manage to ‘see me’ when I was so hidden, even from myself? It wasn’t solely his artistry that affected me — his wisdom, humor, and love instilled in me a belief in myself that I had never known before.”