The drug-smuggling thriller won five Oscars and the filmmaker went on to create some of the most disturbing images in film history
William Friedkin, who achieved cinematic immortality by directing the 1971 drug-smuggling thriller The French Connection and the terrifying 1973 Exorcist about demon possession died on Monday at the age of 87.
Variety reported he died in Los Angeles, citing a friend of Friedkin’s wife. No further details were immediately available.
Friedkin got his start with the mild 1967 musical comedy Good Times with the pop duo Sonny and Cher, then spent the rest of his career creating some of the most disturbing, violent and controversial images in film history.
The French Connection won five Academy Awards including best picture, best director for Friedkin and best actor for Gene Hackman, who Friedkin initially did not want in the memorable role of Popeye Doyle, the New York narcotics detective.