Film legend William Friedkin dies aged 87
William Friedkin, the acclaimed director behind cult classics The Exorcist and The French Connection, has died at 87. His wife, producer and former studio boss Sherry Lansing, confirmed his passing today in Los Angeles, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Hollywood titan and visionary
Friedkin was a giant of 1970s Hollywood, hailed as a key figure in the influential “New Hollywood” wave. He changed cinema with his gritty storytelling and intense direction.
The Exorcist shocked audiences worldwide
His 1973 horror masterpiece The Exorcist told the terrifying tale of a 12-year-old girl possessed by a demon. Based on William Peter Blatty’s bestselling novel, the film left a lasting mark with its chilling scenes. It scored 10 Oscar nods and won two, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.
Oscar-winning crime thriller The French Connection
Before that, Friedkin nabbed Best Director at the Oscars for 1971’s The French Connection. The film follows a tough New York City detective hunting a ruthless heroin kingpin. Its iconic car chase remains one of cinema’s most adrenaline-pumping sequences. The film also won Best Picture, Screenplay, and Film Editing Oscars.
A prolific career across film and TV
Friedkin kept busy throughout his life, directing notable films such as To Live and Die in L.A., Cruising, and Rules of Engagement. He also helmed TV projects, including 12 Angry Men and episodes of The Twilight Zone, Rebel Highway, and CSI.
Starting out in local TV and documentaries, Friedkin’s debut feature was the 1967 Sonny & Cher musical Good Times. He also broke new ground with the 1970 film The Boys in the Band, a landmark in LGBTQ cinema.
Personal life and legacy
Friedkin was married to journalist Kelly Lange, British actress Lesley-Anne Down, French actress Jeanne Moreau, and lastly Sherry Lansing, who he wed in 1991. He is survived by two sons, Jackson and Cedric.
Hollywood mourns the loss of a true visionary whose films continue to inspire generations. William Friedkin’s fearless storytelling and cinematic contributions cement his place in film history forever.
