Biography for
Jennifer Chambers Lynch (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

7 April 1968, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Nickname

"Tree Frog"
Jen

Trivia

Daughter of director David Lynch and painter Peggy Lynch (Peggy Reavey). Her parents divorced when she was 6.

Half-sister of Austin Jack Lynch.

Has Chinese characters that mean 'live for today' tattooed on her forearm.

Had three consecutive spinal surgeries for an injury sustained in a car accident.

Has a daughter, Sydney Row Lynch, who was born September 22, 1995. Sydney's father is Andrew J. Peterson (also known as Andrew "Skip" Peterson).

Wrote "The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer", a best-selling "Twin Peaks" (1990) tie-in book. [1990]

Became close friends with Sherilyn Fenn while working together in Boxing Helena (1993).

Moved to Los Angeles as age 19 in order to work for her father.

Attended Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan.

Lynch made history at the New York City Horror Film Festival when she became the first female to win the Best Director award in the festival's history in 2008.

Is engaged to artist and screenwriter Jim Robbins.

Was a judge at the 2010 International Surrealist Film Festival.

Attended the 2010 Twin Peaks Festival. [August 2010]

Personal Quotes

I like a good story at a good diner over good coffee and a good idea and a whole day to think about it.

I think walking around reminding yourself that you're a woman is only going to get you in trouble. Women in film, the way they've been treated, certainly parts of it are a shame, but they took the paycheque, they played the roles, and if they don't want to do it anymore, we need to start saying no, and different roles will come up.

(On her film Boxing Helena (1993)): "It's a metaphor and a comedy".

On Boxing Helena (1993) - I see it as a love story, not a horror film. The image of Venus de Milo is so powerful. Obsessive love is like a series of amputations as you steal from one another. It's inviting, exciting, animalistic. I've been there; I've been drawn to it.

About her car accident and spinal surgeries - The fact that I get to walk down the red carpet tonight and hold my daughter's hand is a big deal - they didn't even know if I'd walk at one point.

On working with Sherilyn Fenn in Boxing Helena (1993) - Sherilyn is an amazing actress, a total bundle of energy and a real powerhouse. I have with Sherilyn something I didn't think I'd ever find and that is the entire whole.

If there's one gift I've been given from both my parents, it's the idea that you make the work you want to make - the joy is in the making. Once it's done, you let it go, and you move on.

It's great to have fallen flat on my face and to stand up again... I have more to say in a much more mature voice.

On Boxing Helena (1993) - The film became a huge target and it never had a chance. I'd be lying if I told you it all didn't really mess my head up.