Date of Birth: January 7, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: January 12, 2017
Biography
William Peter Blatty was an American writer and filmmaker best known for his groundbreaking horror novel “The Exorcist,” published in 1971. Born in New York City to Lebanese immigrant parents, Blatty faced numerous challenges during his early years, including financial hardship after his father abandoned the family. He earned a scholarship to attend Georgetown University, where he majored in English and later received a master’s degree in English literature from George Washington University. Blatty initially worked in various public relations and advertising roles before finding success as a screenwriter and author. His novel “The Exorcist” became a cultural phenomenon, leading to a highly successful film adaptation in 1973, for which Blatty won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Throughout his career, Blatty continued to write both novels and screenplays, exploring themes of faith, morality, and the supernatural. He passed away on January 12, 2017, but his legacy continues to influence the horror genre.
5 Interesting Facts about William Peter Blatty
1. Blatty’s mother often told him stories of saints and miracles, which later influenced the religious themes in his work.
2. Before becoming a successful writer, Blatty worked as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman.
3. He served in the United States Air Force Psychological Warfare Division during the Korean War.
4. “The Exorcist” was inspired by a 1949 case of demonic possession and exorcism that Blatty had read about during his time at Georgetown University.
5. Blatty wrote the screenplay for the 1964 comedy film “A Shot in the Dark,” which is part of the Pink Panther series.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Peter Blatty
1. “I’ll tell you a little secret about The Exorcist. I always thought it was a novel about the mystery of faith.”
2. “When you’re in the presence of evil, you know it. There’s no question about it.”
3. “Faith is a gift. But it’s also a choice.”
4. “Horror is a genre that’s very easy to do badly and very difficult to do well.”
5. “I have nothing against witches, but I do not believe in them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, William Peter Blatty’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
William Peter Blatty had seven children: Christine Ann, Michael Peter, Mary Joanne, Paul William, Anthony, William Peter Jr., and Andrew.
Relevant Links
1. [William Peter Blatty – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0087926/
2. [William Peter Blatty – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Peter_Blatty
3. [The Exorcist – Official Site](https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/exorcist
