Naomi Watts, 56, is a British actress best known for her roles in the films “Mulholland Drive,” “21 Grams” and “Birdman” and TV’s “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.” She is the author of “Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause” (Crown).

In a chapter titled “Tell Me Again”, the Mulholland Drive star revealed her reaction to learning that she is at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s after entering early menopause. Watts said that she was informed that she was “close to menopause” by a doctor when she was 36 years old – which she called “early menopause”.

David Lynch, who died on Jan. 16, directed Naomi Watts in her breakout movie ‘Mulholland Drive’ M. Caulfield/WireImage Naomi Watts is mourning the loss of her Mulholland Drive director David ...

Naomi Watts opens up about sex, aging and husband Billy Crudup's hilarious comment before their first night together, which she calls "the most romantic words I've ever heard". The actress, 56, has a written a new,

Naomi Watts says her “heart is broken” following the death of her Mulholland Drive director David Lynch. After the four-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker’s family announced Thursday that Lynch died at the age of 78,

Watts has repeatedly credited her success as a screen star to Lynch in the past. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her breakout movie Mulholland Drive in 2021, she wrote, “This film changed my career. David Lynch changed my life. I'm forever grateful.”

On the same day as the news of his passing, Watts paid tribute to Lynch — whose cause of death was not given, but who had revealed in September 2024 that he was battling emphysema as a result of smoking throughout his life — sharing that her “heart is broken.”

Naomi Watts recently recalled her days working with David Lynch and how the late director helped her movie career. The King Kong actress appeared on Live with Kelly and Mark, discussing her past experiences and how the director of Eraserhead played a significant role in her life.

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.

The actress, who ultimately welcomed children Sasha and Kai with Liev, had been dealing with night sweats, migraines, and irregular periods for years. Perimenopause typically doesn't begin until age 40, although it can start as early as the 30s, according to Mount Sinai.

With the passing of beloved director David Lynch, many of the actors he worked with – along with countless staunch admirers – have shared emotional tributes and testaments to his legacy.