What's After the Movie
William Friedkin
William David Friedkin was a renowned American film, television and opera director, producer, and screenwriter. Born on August 29, 1935, he became closely associated with the "New Hollywood" movement of the 1970s, directing ground-breaking films such as the crime thriller 'The French Connection' (1971) which won him five Academy Awards, including 'Best Picture' and 'Best Director', as well as 'The Exorcist' (1973) for which he received his second Academy Award nomination. He started his career in the early 1960s, making documentaries and lived till August 7, 2023. Aside from cinema, Friedkin worked extensively in opera directing from 1998 till his death, as well as directed several television films and series episodes. He was known for his strikingly original style and audacious narrative choices that earned him a unique place in the history of American cinema.
His other film credits include the drama 'The Boys in the Band' (1970), a landmark in queer cinema, the critically praised thriller 'Sorcerer' (1977), the controversial 'Cruising' (1980), and the neo-noir thriller 'To Live and Die in L.A.' (1985). Despite facing a slump in the late 1980s, Friedkin's later works were positively received, including psychological horror film 'Bug' (2006), the crime film 'Killer Joe' (2011), and the legal drama 'The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial' (2023). Friedkin was married four times and had two children. He passed away from heart failure and pneumonia in Los Angeles.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about William Friedkin, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how William Friedkin rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William David Friedkin
Born: Chicago, Illinois, U.S
Citizenship: American
Birthday: August 29, 1935
Occupations: Film director, Producer, Screenwriter
Years Active: 1962-2023
Children: 2
Spouses: Jeanne Moreau, Lesley-Anne Down, Kelly Lange, Sherry Lansing
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Awards and Nominations Received by William Friedkin
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations William Friedkin has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Cruising
To Live and Die in L.A.
The Exorcist
The Guardian
Sorcerer
The Devil and Father Amorth
Bug
Killer Joe
Rules of Engagement
Jade
Blue Chips
The Hunted
The Boys in the Band
The Brink's Job
The Night They Raided Minsky's
The French Connection
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now
Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of
Stanley Kubrick in Focus
Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot
The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist
Casablanca: An Unlikely Classic
Algren
Godard Made in USA
Miller’s Tale
Henri Langlois vu par…
Don’t Say No Until I Finish Talking: The Story of Richard D. Zanuck
Sorcerers: A Conversation with William Friedkin and Nicolas Winding Refn
Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist
The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing ‘The French Connection’
Making the Connection: Untold Stories of The French Connection
Shadows in the Dark: The Val Lewton Legacy
Counterfeit World: Making ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’
Shadows of Suspense
The Man Who Shot Chinatown: The Life and Work of John A. Alonzo
Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001
Great Bolshy Yarblockos!: Making ‘A Clockwork Orange’
The Visions of Stanley Kubrick
View from the Overlook: Crafting ‘The Shining’
Fear in the Dark
Deal of the Century
Putting It Together: The Making of the Broadway Album
Rampage
Fellini of the Spirits
C.A.T. Squad
Self Control
I Am Alfred Hitchcock
C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf
The Thin Blue Line
The People vs. Paul Crump
Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon
Self Control
The Birthday Party
Jailbreakers
Anatomy of a Chase
Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy
The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn’t
Howard Hawks: American Artist
Good Times
12 Angry Men
Victor Fleming: Master Craftsman
The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist
The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style
Conversation with Fritz Lang
In the Master’s Shadow: Hitchcock’s Legacy
Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of William Friedkin, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2013
Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot
Self
The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Self
Don’t Say No Until I Finish Talking: The Story of Richard D. Zanuck
Self
2012
Killer Joe
Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of
Self
Stanley Kubrick in Focus
Self
Casablanca: An Unlikely Classic
Self
2010
The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now
Self
Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist
Self
Godard Made in USA
Self
2009
Anatomy of a Chase
Self
Victor Fleming: Master Craftsman
Self
The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style
Self
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