Director of The Exorcist, William Friedkin dies aged 87

The director of the classic horror film, The Exorcist has died aged 87, his wife Sherry Lansing has confirmed.

Friedkin is also known for his Oscar-winning film 'The French Connection' in 1971 which won him the award for Best Director.

He was nominated for another Oscar in 1974 for his film 'The Exorcist' for best picture as was 'French Connection'.

Friedkin's first directorial career began in 1965 with 'Good Times' starring Sonny and Cher, the film received some negative feedback but Friedkin said: "I've never had so much fun." 

'Fench Connection' was a success and is still viewed as one of the greatest films ever made, Friedkin's studio was unsure of how well the film would do but he said in 2021 about the film's success: "We don't know why but sometimes that happens."

Famous directors such as Steven Spielberg have said his work has had a major impact on their projects.

With a $12 million budget his most infamous film 'The Exorcist' made over $425 million worldwide in the box office.

His final film work will be shown at Venice Film Festival this year, 'The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial', which stars Jason Clarke and Kiefer Sutherland and is based on the play by Herman Wouk in 1953.

Tributes to the late director have flooded X, known before as Twitter from fans and friends including actor Elijah Woods.

Aww man…a true cinematic master whose influence will continue to extend forever. So long, William Friedkin pic.twitter.com/sXppoS0FVK

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) August 7, 2023

His wife, Sherry Lansing is the first woman to head a major film studio, 20th Century Fox and was the chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. 

She now supports many charities such as the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.