Oscar-winning director William Friedkin, known for his iconic films such as The French Connection and The Exorcist, has passed away at the age of 87 in Los Angeles, according to reports by Variety. Dean of Chapman University Stephen Galloway confirmed the news, stating that Friedkin’s wife Sherry Lansing informed him of the director’s demise.
Friedkin’s last film, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, starring Kiefer Sutherland, will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. In the 1970s, Friedkin gained recognition and became a prominent figure among a group of daring filmmakers, including Hal Ashby, Francis Ford Coppola, and Peter Bogdanovich.
Known for his expertise in horror and police thriller genres, Friedkin brought a unique energy to his films by incorporating his experience in television, particularly in documentary filmmaking, and employing innovative editing techniques. One of his most famous creations, The French Connection, shot in a documentary style, featured an unforgettable car chase sequence and went on to win several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Gene Hackman. It left a lasting impact on the police genre in both film and television.
Following the critical acclaim of The French Connection, Friedkin’s next film, The Exorcist, released in 1973, became a blockbuster hit, earning a staggering USD 500 million at the global box office. Along with The Godfather, it played a significant role in ushering in the era of blockbuster cinema. The Exorcist, an intensely stylized thriller based on William Peter Blatty’s book about demonic possession, left an indelible mark on the horror genre similar to the impact The French Connection had on police thrillers. Friedkin’s exceptional work earned him a second Oscar nomination for Best Director.
Friedkin’s career commenced in the mailroom of WGN in Chicago, where he swiftly moved up the ranks, eventually directing television programs and documentaries. During the early years, he directed approximately 2,000 TV programs, including the 1962 documentary The People vs. Paul Crump, which chronicled the release of a man from death row. The documentary received the Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco Film Festival, propelling Friedkin into overseeing the documentary division at WBKB and later helming documentaries for producer David L. Wolper.
Born and raised in Chicago, Friedkin attended Senn High School, where he faced academic challenges but focused on honing his basketball skills with aspirations of going pro. Due to his height never surpassing six feet, he eventually switched gears and pursued a career in journalism.
Throughout the years, Friedkin made frequent appearances in documentaries about films and filmmakers, sharing his insights and experiences. He was married to Lesley-Anne Down, Jeanne Moreau, and Kelly Lange, a newsreader. He is survived by his fourth wife, Sherry Lansing, and his two sons.
William Friedkin’s contribution to the world of cinema is immeasurable, as he crafted films that not only entertained but also challenged the boundaries of storytelling. With his unique vision and innovative techniques, he left an indelible mark on the film industry and will forever be remembered as one of the greats.
