Four-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker David Lynch is fondly remembered as a visionary in the world of filmmaking. His knack for creating surrealist stories earned him numerous accolades during his long-running career. He is known for discovering many talented actors, including a Walking Dead actress.

In 1984, Lynch would launch his epic space opera, Dune, a film he wrote, directed and based on Frank Herbert’s same-titled novel from 1965. The film didn’t fare well at the box office, and received mostly negative critical reviews, but has since become a cult classic among Lynch’s fans.

Despite Dune’s reception, the film proved a significant moment in the life of Walking Dead actress Alicia Witt who portrayed Alia, Paul’s (Kyle McLachlan) younger sister.

Witt, who was considered a child prodigy for talking at age two and reading by age four, was recognized by Lynch while reciting Romeo and Juliet on an 80s reality TV series That’s Incredible! when she was five. This led to his casting of the eight-year-old in the role of Alia. He would later cast Witt in an episode of Twin Peaks as the younger sister of Donna, played by Lara Flynn Boyle. While both roles were vital to Witt’s career, the life lessons Lynch shared with the young actress have stayed with her all these years.

Soon after the news of Lynch’s death, Witt took to social media to express her heartfelt gratitude to the man who launched her career. The three part post highlighted the impact Lynch had on her life and career.

Witt also shared these amazing BTS photos of herself with Lynch.

What is Alicia Witt known for?

Throughout her long-running career, Witt has starred in numerous notable roles. She joined The Walking Dead during season 6 as Paula, a member of Negan’s (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) Saviors. She captured Carol (Melissa McBride) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan), a move that eventually led to her death.

In the late 90s, Witt portrayed Zoe Woodbine, the daughter of Cybill Shepherd’s Cybill Sheridan in the CBS sitcom Cybill. She is well known for her roles in 99 Minutes, Urban Legend, Two Weeks Notice, and Last Holiday.

Witt has gained acclaim for her roles in numerous Hallmark Christmas Films. In Christmas Tree Lane (2020) she starred, executive produced, wrote and contributed two original songs which her character sang in the movie.

Most recently, Witt starred in Oz Perkin’s horror, the critically acclaimed Longlegs, alongside Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. The film, released by Neon, became the production company’s highest-grossing film, the highest-grossing indie film of the year, and Perkin’s highest-grossing film. San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Most impressive is how Perkins blends psychological and supernatural horror in a manner not quite seen before. Longlegs is a conjuring of dark, poetic cinema where the devil is definitely in the details”.

Next, Witt will star in Shiver, a romantic fantasy from Claire McCarthy that also stars Maddie Ziegler, Levi Miller, Sofia Wylie, Iman Vellani, Lyon Daniels, Alexander Ludwig, Ross Butler, Greg Kinnear, and Neil Jackson.