William Friedkin, renowned director of the iconic film ‘The Exorcist,’ has passed away at the age of 87, leaving a significant legacy in the world of cinema.
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William Friedkin Cause Of Death
William Friedkin, the celebrated filmmaker behind iconic movies like “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection,” has passed away at the age of 87 in Los Angeles. His wife, former producer, and Paramount Pictures studio head Sherry Lansing, confirmed his death.
Friedkin’s cinematic legacy also includes daring works such as “The Boys in the Band,” “Cruising,” “Sorcerer,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Bug,” “Rules of Engagement,” and “Killer Joe,” among others. While his films received a mix of box office and critical responses, his status as an auteur in the industry was undeniable.
Reflecting on his career, Friedkin once humbly expressed, “I never considered myself the great American anything. Not then and not now. I consider myself just another member of the crew, the highest-paid member of the crew.” His humility didn’t prevent him from receiving prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award and Directors’ Guild Award for “The French Connection.”
Friedkin initiated his journey as a director in the realm of television, by directing an episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” in 1965, followed by several TV movies. He transitioned to the big screen in the late 1960s with films like “Good Times” (1967), “The Birthday Party” (1968), and “The Night They Raided Minsky” (1968). While the following decades witnessed a decline in the trajectory of the trailblazing filmmaker’s career, his unwavering rebel spirit endured.
Friedkin leaves behind his wife, Sherry Lansing, and his children, Jackson and Cedric Friedkin. As we extend our sympathies to his family, friends, collaborators, and admirers, his cinematic contributions continue to inspire and shape the world of film.
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What Happened To William Friedkin?
Renowned director William Friedkin, famed for his iconic hit “The Exorcist,” has passed away at the age of 87. His demise occurred on Monday, August 7th, in Los Angeles. The news was confirmed by Chapman University Dean Stephen Galloway, a close associate of Friedkin’s wife, Sherry Lansing, as reported by Variety.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 29, 1935, Friedkin embarked on his cinematic journey in the 1960s, marking his movie debut with the 1967 comedy musical “Good Times,” starring Sonny and Cher.
After several years and numerous films, his pinnacle achievement arrived with his sole directing Oscar for the critically acclaimed 1971 police drama “The French Connection.” Throughout the 1970s, Friedkin, along with fellow filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola and Hal Ashby, soared to Hollywood stardom for their bold and daring directorial ventures.
In 1973, he unveiled “The Exorcist,” a horror thriller that shattered box office records, amassing a staggering $500 million globally, effectively initiating the era of blockbuster films alongside Coppola’s “The Godfather.”
This remarkable achievement secured him his second Oscar nomination for Best Director. Following his marriage to studio executive Lansing in 1991, Friedkin’s directorial pursuits continued to flourish consistently.
How Did William Friedkin Die?
The film world bids farewell to William Friedkin, a trailblazing figure who reshaped horror cinema with his iconic work “The Exorcist.” At 87 years old, Friedkin’s legacy is commemorated as he leaves behind a lasting impact on the industry. Notably, his renowned masterpiece is receiving a legacy sequel this year, marking 50 years since its groundbreaking release.
Friedkin’s cinematic journey remained vibrant until the very end. His final film, “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial,” is poised to make its debut at the Venice Film Festival later this year, underlining his enduring dedication to filmmaking.
The news of his passing was verified by Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway, a close friend of Friedkin’s wife, Sherry Lansing, as reported by Variety, which initially broke the news.
“The Exorcist,” adapted from William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel, shook the cultural landscape upon its release. The film not only redefined the horror genre but also set new standards by shattering box office records. Moreover, its astonishing achievement of securing 10 Academy Award nominations, including a nomination for Best Picture, made history as the first horror film to earn such acclaim.
Friedkin’s impact extended beyond horror. In 1973, he crafted “The French Connection,” a masterful crime film celebrated for its timeless excellence and unforgettable car chase sequences. His filmography boasts a diverse array of titles, including “To Live and Die in L.A.,” the acclaimed thriller of the 1970s.
Survived by his children, Jackson and Cedric Friedkin, along with his wife, film executive Sherry Lansing, Friedkin’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his impactful contributions. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his loved ones, colleagues, and admirers as they remember and celebrate his remarkable life.
Who was William Friedkin?
William Friedkin, an eminent figure in the realm of American film and television, left an indelible mark as a director, producer, and screenwriter. Born on August 29, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Friedkin’s cinematic journey traversed iconic creations that continue to resonate.
Friedkin’s cinematic legacy is prominently anchored by his directorial prowess in films like “The French Connection” (1971), “The Exorcist” (1973), and “Sorcerer” (1977). Kicking off his career in the television domain, he directed episodes for notable series like “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and “The Nurses.” Transitioning to the big screen, he unveiled his feature film debut with “Good Times” (1967), a comedic gem starring the iconic duo Sonny and Cher.
However, Friedkin’s breakthrough arrived with “The French Connection,” an opus that clinched the Academy Award for both Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s gritty and authentic portrayal of the New York City police force etched its place as one of the most revered police procedural films in history.
Taking a stride into supernatural realms, Friedkin followed up with “The Exorcist.” Adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel, this supernatural horror masterpiece catapulted Friedkin’s reputation even further. Its critical acclaim and resounding commercial success have firmly secured it among the pantheon of greatest horror films ever conceived.
As his career progressed, Friedkin embarked on diverse cinematic ventures, though some didn’t match the magnitude of his earlier triumphs. “Sorcerer” (1977), a reimagining of the French classic “Wages of Fear,” marked his directorial prowess. He also crafted “To Live and Die in L.A.” (1985), a gripping crime thriller starring William Petersen, and courted controversy with “Cruising” (1980), a provocative exploration of the gay leather subculture.
His cinematic swansong, “Killer Joe” (2011), a darkly comedic thriller featuring Matthew McConaughey, exemplified his narrative ingenuity. While directing pursuits waned after “Killer Joe,” Friedkin’s engagement with television endured. He directed the pilot episode of “Crash” in 2008 and helmed several episodes of “Hannibal” from 2013 to 2015.
William Friedkin’s pioneering contributions reshaped the landscape of police procedural and horror genres. His mastery of suspense and tension, vividly encapsulated in his works, sustains their potency and pertinence, leaving an everlasting legacy in the tapestry of cinema.
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Source: HIS Education