William Friedkin, the esteemed director who received an Academy Award for his work on “The French Connection” and shocked audiences with his groundbreaking film “The Exorcist,” has sadly passed away at the age of 87. According to a representative from his office, Friedkin died on Monday in Los Angeles due to heart failure and pneumonia.
Friedkin’s notable achievements include his Oscar-winning film “The French Connection” and his Academy Award nomination for “The Exorcist.” “The French Connection” also won Academy Awards in the categories of best picture, screenplay, and film editing.
In his memoir titled “The Friedkin Connection,” published in 2013, the director expressed his unwavering dedication to his craft and his passion for creating films that evoke strong emotions and offer profound insights into the human experience. He eloquently stated, “It takes talent, imagination, and a feeling for the zeitgeist to find a subject that touches a nerve. What I still want from a film — or a play, a painting, a novel, a piece of music — is exhilaration. I want to be moved and surprised at some revelation about the human condition. I think about the love affair I’ve had with Cinema. Images or fragments pop into my consciousness like fireflies. When I’m able to capture their brief flash, they illuminate a dark corner of memory.”
In addition to his acclaimed films “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” Friedkin garnered recognition for his work on movies such as “Killer Joe,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Sorcerer,” and “The Boys in the Band.” His most recent project was the 2017 documentary “The Devil and Father Amorth,” which explored the topic of exorcism. His final production, a remake of the Herman Wouk novel and stage drama “The Caine Mutiny-Court Martial,” starring Kiefer Sutherland, is scheduled to premiere at this year’s Venice International Film Festival.
Although he began his career directing TV movies, Friedkin made his mark in the film industry with his debut feature film “Good Times” in 1965, a comedy starring Sonny and Cher.
Friedkin is survived by his wife, producer Sherry Lansing, and his two sons. He had previously been married to notable actors Jeanne Moreau and Lesley-Anne Down, as well as TV news anchor Kelly Lange.
Born in Chicago in 1935, Friedkin came from modest beginnings. His father worked tirelessly but struggled financially, and the family relied on welfare for support. At the age of 6, Friedkin had a transformative experience when he watched his first movie, “None but the Lonely Heart.”
In honor of Friedkin’s legacy, flowers were placed on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday afternoon. Ana Martinez, the producer of the Walk of Fame, expressed her condolences and highlighted Friedkin’s immense contributions to the film industry.
The news of Friedkin’s passing saddened many notable figures in the entertainment industry, including author Stephen King, actor Elijah Wood, and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who paid tribute to the late director on social media.
As we bid farewell to William Friedkin, we remember him as one of the true luminaries of cinema. His profound impact on the film industry will forever be cherished, and his memory will live on in the hearts of film enthusiasts worldwide.
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