William Friedkin, who directed the acclaimed films The Exorcist and The French Connection, has died at the age of 87.
Variety reported that Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway, who is friends with Friedkin’s wife Sherry Lansing, confirmed the director’s passing. Friedkin was considered to be one of the most influential directors of the 1970s alongside fellow legends like Francis Ford Coppola, Peter Bogdanovich, and Hal Ashby.
Alongside directing the iconic horror film The Exorcist and the action-thriller The French Connection, Friedkin was known for directing such movies as Deal of the Century, Rules of Engagement, and Killer Joe. His final film, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, will premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival.
Outside of film, Friedkin directed an episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, one of 1985’s The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, and two episodes of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
William Friedkin is survived by his wife Sherry and two sons.
ComingSoon sends condolences to Friedkin’s family and friends at this time.
