Variety magazine reported that the famous director William Friedkin, who directed “The French Connection” in 1971 and “The Exorcist” in 1973, died on Monday at the age of 87.
The magazine quoted a friend of Friedkin’s wife as saying that he died in the American city of Los Angeles, and there are no details yet about the circumstances of his death.
Successful films in Friedkin’s career
• “The French Connection” won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Friedkin and Best Actor for Gene Hackman.
• “The Exorcist” was nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Director.
• Friedkin began his directorial career in 1967 when he directed “Good Times”, a musical comedy film, then turned to directing horror, violence and controversial films.
• Friedkin was born on August 29, 1935 and raised in Chicago, the son of Ukrainian immigrants.
• Unable to afford college, Friedkin worked in the Postal Service for a Chicago television station after high school.
• Friedkin suffered a heart attack in 1981 and said at the time that his fondness for pizza and hot dogs caused him to do so.
