Date of Birth: August 29, 1935
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: August 7, 2023
Biography
William Friedkin was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his work in the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s. Friedkin was born in Chicago, Illinois, and began his career in television documentaries before transitioning to feature films. He rose to prominence with his 1971 film “The French Connection,” which won five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. His next film, “The Exorcist” (1973), became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and earned him another Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Friedkin’s career included a variety of genres, from horror to crime thrillers and dramas, and he continued to direct films and television projects into the 21st century. His influence on the film industry and his contributions to cinema are widely recognized, and he remains a pivotal figure in American filmmaking.
5 Interesting Facts about William Friedkin
1. William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” is often cited as one of the scariest films ever made and was one of the first horror films to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2. Friedkin was awarded the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for “The French Connection.”
3. Before becoming a film director, Friedkin worked on documentaries for television, including the critically acclaimed “The People vs. Paul Crump” (1962).
4. Friedkin was married four times, including to French actress Jeanne Moreau and producer Sherry Lansing.
5. He directed an episode of the hit TV series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in 2007, showcasing his versatility across media.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Friedkin
1. “The key to a good film is casting. If you get the right people, you will succeed.”
2. “The work is what endures. The work is the legacy.”
3. “Style is something that’s extremely personal. It is not a conscious attempt to be different.”
4. “I believe directing is a privilege, not a right.”
5. “Fear is a powerful emotion. It can be the most compelling part of the human experience.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, William Friedkin’s net worth was estimated to be around $70 million.
Children
William Friedkin had two children: 1. Cedric Friedkin 2. Jack Friedkin
Relevant Links
1. [William Friedkin IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001243/
2. [Wikipedia: William Friedkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Friedkin
3. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/aug/07/william-friedkin-obituary
4. [Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/filmmaker/william-friedkin
5. [Rotten Tomatoes Profile](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/william_friedkin
