William Friedkin, the esteemed Oscar-winning director of “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” has passed away at the age of 87 in Los Angeles. His death was confirmed by his wife, Sherry Lansing.
Friedkin, who won the Best Director Oscar for “The French Connection,” was celebrated for his thrilling and horrifying contributions to cinema. “The French Connection,” based on a true story, follows the relentless pursuit of a New York City detective to track down a French drug lord funneling heroin into the U.S. The film is famous for one of the most exhilarating chase scenes in movie history. At just 32, Friedkin’s work on this film heralded him as a leading member of a new generation of filmmakers.
Following this success, Friedkin directed the blockbuster hit “The Exorcist,” based on William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel. The film, featuring harrowing scenes of demonic possession and a superb cast, was a box-office sensation. It received 10 Oscar nominations, winning two for Blatty’s script and its sound design.
Despite these early successes, Friedkin’s later work did not achieve similar acclaim. Nevertheless, he directed films and TV shows well into the 21st century. His other film credits include “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Cruising,” and “Rules of Engagement,” and he directed episodes of TV shows such as “The Twilight Zone” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
The loss of Friedkin is keenly felt in the film industry, where his groundbreaking early work continues to inspire and captivate audiences. His contributions to cinema will undoubtedly be remembered and appreciated for years to come.