William Friedkin, renowned director of the film that became a classic “The Exorcist,” has died at the age 87. He leaves a major legacy in the field of cinema.
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William Friedkin Cause Of Death
William Friedkin, the celebrated director behind the iconic films “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection,” has died at the age at 87 years old living in Los Angeles. His wife, a former producer as well as Paramount Pictures studio head Sherry Lansing confirmed his death.
Friedkin’s filmography also includes bold works like “The Boys in the Band,” “Cruising,” “Sorcerer,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Bug,” “Rules of Engagement,” and “Killer Joe,” among many others. While his films were greeted with an array of box-office and critical reviews and his reputation of an author in the business was undisputed.
When reflecting about his professional career Friedkin was once humble enough to say, “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.” Friedkin’s modesty didn’t stop him from receiving high-profile awards such as the Academy Award and Directors’ Guild Award for “The French Connection.”
Friedkin began his career as a filmmaker in the field of television through directing an episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” in 1965. He then directed a number of television films. He moved to the large screen in the latter half of the 1960s with films such as “Good Times” (1967), “The Birthday Party” (1968) and “The Night They Raided Minsky” (1968). In the years that followed, despite an ebb in the course of the legendary filmmaker’s career but his unstoppable rebel spirit persisted.
Friedkin leaves his wife, Sherry Lansing, and two daughters, Jackson and Cedric Friedkin. We extend our condolences to his family as well as his collaborators, friends as well as admirers of his work, we note that Friedkin’s contributions to cinema continue to shape and inspire the field of film.
What Happened To William Friedkin?
The renowned film director William Friedkin, famed for his iconic film “The Exorcist,” has died at the age of 87. His death took place on the 7th of August, Monday at Los Angeles. The announcement is confirm through Chapman University Dean Stephen Galloway who is a close friend of Friedkin’s wife Sherry Lansing. The news was stated by Variety.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 29, 1935. Friedkin began his cinematic journey during the 1960s, making his debut in film with the comedy musical “Good Times,” starring Sonny and Cher.
After many years and a myriad of films, his greatest success came when he won his only director Oscar to the critically-acclaimed crime thriller “The French Connection.” Through those 1970s Friedkin as well as other filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Hal Ashby became Hollywood recognition for their daring and bold directional ventures.
In 1973, Coppola released “The Exorcist,” a horror thriller that set box office records, netting the staggering sum of $500 million worldwide which effectively started the age of blockbuster movies alongside Coppola’s “The Godfather.”
This incredible feat earned Friedkin the second Oscar award to be nominated for Best Director. After his wedding to director and studio director Lansing the year 1991, Friedkin’s efforts to direct have continued to grow consistently.
How Did William Friedkin Die?
The film industry bids farewell for William Friedkin, a trailblazing person who revolutionized the horror film industry through his iconic film “The Exorcist.” Aged 87, Friedkin’s legacy is honored as the filmmaker leaves an impact that will last forever on the film industry. Particularly, his masterpiece will receive a sequel to its legacy this year, which will mark fifty years after its revolutionary release.
Friedkin’s cinematic adventure was vibrant throughout the entire time. The final film he made, “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial,” is set to debut during the Venice Film Festival later this year, highlighting his unwavering commitment to making films.
The news of Friedkin’s passing was confirmed via Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway who is a close friend of Friedkin’s wife Sherry Lansing. The news was reported by Variety who first broke the news.
“The Exorcist,” adapted from the best-selling novel, shaken the world of cinema when it was released. The film did more than just redefine the genre of horror, but set new standards in breaking records at the box office. Furthermore, its remarkable feat of earning the record-breaking 10 Academy Award nominations, including nominations in the category of Best Picture, made history as the first film in the genre of horror to be able to achieve such acclaim.
Friedkin’s influence grew beyond the realm of horror. The year 1973 was the time he wrote “The French Connection,” an outstanding crime film that was praised for its timeless quality and unforgettable car chase scenes. His filmography includes a wide selection of films which include “To Live and Die in L.A.,” the popular thriller in the 1970s.
He was survived by his children, Jackson and Cedric Friedkin and his wife, filmmaker Sherry Lansing Friedkin’s legacy will surely be remembered through his significant contributions. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends as well as colleagues and admirers as they reflect and celebrate his extraordinary life.
Who was William Friedkin?
William Friedkin, an eminent persona in the field of American television and film made a lasting impression as a producer, director and screenwriter. Born on the 29th of August 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, Friedkin’s cinematic journey spanned legendary creations that are still resonating.
The legacy of Friedkin’s filmography is largely supported by his directing skills in films such as “The French Connection” (1971), “The Exorcist” (1973) as well as “Sorcerer” (1977). In the beginning of his journey in the TV realm, he directed episodes for a variety of notable shows like “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and “The Nurses.” After moving onto the screen, he made his debut feature film with “Good Times” (1967) which was a comedy gem that featured the famous duo of Sonny as well as Cher.
However, Friedkin’s breakthrough came in “The French Connection,” film that won an Academy Award for both Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s honest and raw depiction of New York City police force has earned it a place in the list of the most adored police procedural films of all time.
Moving into the realm of worlds of the supernatural, Friedkin followed up with “The Exorcist.” Based on The novel of William Peter Blatty the supernatural horror classic boosted Friedkin’s fame even further. The film’s critical acclaim as well as its huge commercial success have placed it in the greatest horror films ever created.
In the course of his professional career Friedkin began a variety of films, although they didn’t have the same impact of his previous triumphs. “Sorcerer” (1977), which was a remake from”Wages of fear,” the French iconic “Wages of Fear,” showcased his skills as a director. He also created “To Live and Die in L.A.” (1985) which was a thrilling crime thriller with William Petersen, and courted controversy with “Cruising” (1980), an enthralling look at the gay subculture of leather.
The film that marked his cinematic swansong “Killer Joe” (2011) Darkly comical thriller starring Matthew McConaughey, exemplified his storytelling savvy. The directing profession slowed down after “Killer Joe,” Friedkin’s engagement with television continued. He was the director of”Crash,” the first episode, in “Crash” in 2008 and was the director of many seasons from “Hannibal” from 2013 to 2015.
William Friedkin’s groundbreaking contributions have reshaped the world of horror and police procedural genres. His ability to create suspense and tension, clearly portrayed in his work, maintains their power and relevance creating a long-lasting legacy to the tapestry of film.