William Friedkin the acclaimed director of Exorcist has passed away at the age of 87 in Los Angeles, according to a friend of his wife. Friedkin, a director known for creating some of the most disturbing and controversial images in film history, gained cinematic immortality with two iconic movies: the gritty 1971 drug-smuggling thriller “The French Connection” and the terrifying 1973 demon-possession blockbuster “The Exorcist.”
“The French Connection” earned him five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Initially skeptical about casting Gene Hackman, Friedkin’s decision proved fortuitous as Hackman delivered a memorable performance as New York narcotics detective Popeye Doyle.
“The Exorcist” shocked audiences and became a cultural phenomenon, praised as one of the greatest horror movies ever made. It garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Although Friedkin made other noteworthy films like “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Bug,” and “Killer Joe,” none reached the same level of success as his two major triumphs.
Born on August 29, 1935, in Chicago to Ukrainian immigrants, Friedkin’s journey in film started with directing live shows after working in the mail room of a Chicago TV station. He later gained recognition for his documentaries, one of which played a role in commuting a convicted killer’s death sentence and opened the doors to Hollywood.
Friedkin’s career was not without controversy, as some critics dubbed him “Hurricane Billy” due to his hot-tempered and arrogant demeanor, which he admitted was fueled by the success of his defining movies in the 1970s.
Married to Sherry Lansing in 1991, Friedkin experienced a heart attack in 1981, which he attributed to his love for deep-dish pizza and hot dogs.
