'Never a dull moment!' Hollywood mourns as director of 'The Exorcist' William Friedkin dies at 87.

In a heartbreaking blow to the cinematic universe, William Friedkin, the genius behind ageless classics like The French Connection and The Exorcist, left the stage for the final time. He passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 87, as reported by Daily Mail.

A Cinematic Genius is Remembered

The news of Friedkin's demise was heartrendingly shared by his wife, Sherry Lansing, a powerhouse in her own right, known as a film producer and former studio head. Today, she actively champions charitable causes.

"Never a dull moment" when William took the director's chair. Best remembered for the 1971 crime thriller The French Connection, William took home an Academy Award for Best Director. The film's brilliant car-chase sequences and portrayal of gritty street-level detective work ensured its place in Hollywood history.

But perhaps, the biggest jewel in his directorial crown was the 1973 horror spectacle, The Exorcist. Featuring Linda Blair's spine-chilling performance as a possessed teenager, it redefined horror. "As scary as it gets," Linda's role, coupled with haunting sequences like levitation and spinning head moments, became iconic in horror lore. This masterpiece not only clinched Oscars for Lead Actress Ellen Burstyn and screenwriter William Peter Blatty but also grossed a staggering $500 million, stamping it as one of the most successful horror films ever.

From TV Episodes to Box-Office Titans

William's foray into the world of showbiz was marked by his direction for a classic TV series episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents in the 1960s. From there, it was a meteoric rise. Directing Hollywood bigwigs like Gene Hackman in The French Connection and Linda Blair in The Exorcist, William's prowess and vision were unmistakable.

Throughout the years, his versatility shone brightly. Whether it was the 1985's cult classic, To Live And Die in L.A., delving into the corrupt heart of the City of Angels or directing the great Al Pacino in Cruising, William's touch was gold.

Fans also revered him for his later works such as Killer Joe, where Matthew McConaughey portrayed a dark, complex role of a cop-cum-hitman, and The Devil & Father Amorth, exploring the eerie world of exorcisms. Eager fans await his final film, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, starring Kiefer Sutherland, set for a premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Friedkin's legacy is not just about the blockbusters or the Academy Awards. It's about a filmmaker who pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and gave the world cinema that transcended time. "A winner through and through," William Friedkin will forever remain an indomitable spirit in Hollywood's Hall of Fame.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.