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Aug. 7 (UPI) Oscar-winning director William Friedkin has passed away at the age of 87 in his Bel Air, Calif., home.
Friedkin’s wife, former Paramount Studio head Sherry Lansing, confirmed with The New York Times that Friedkin died of heart failure and pneumonia. His death was also confirmed by Chapman University Dean Stephen Galloway, a friend of Lansing’s, according to Variety and Deadline.
Friedkin made a significant impact on cinema with his iconic films. His 1971 cop drama, The French Connection, is often praised for its gritty ’70s style and features one of cinema’s greatest car chases. The film received multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Gene Hackman.
In 1975, Friedkin directed the sequel, The French Connection II, and he also helmed the horror classic, The Exorcist, based on William Peter Blatty’s book. The Exorcist is often regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made and has spawned multiple sequels and prequels.
A new sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, is set to be released in October. Friedkin himself authorized an extended version of the original film in 2000, which included previously deleted scenes. Additionally, Warner Bros. will be releasing the original Exorcist in 4K UHD on Sept. 19.
Aside from The French Connection and The Exorcist, Friedkin directed other noteworthy films such as Sorcerer, a fan favorite remake of The Wages of Fear. He also explored different genres with films like Cruising, To Live and Die in L.A., The Guardian, Jade, Rules of Engagement, The Hunted, Bug, Killer Joe, and his final work, the exorcism documentary The Devil and Father Amorth.
Prior to his breakthrough with The French Connection, Friedkin directed various television and film projects, including adaptations of The Boys in the Band and Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, as well as the Sonny and Cher film Good Times.
William Friedkin
William Friedkin at the Cannes International Film Festival in France on May 18, 2016. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” passed away at the age of 87 on August 7. Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
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