Who Is William Friedkin? Age, Biography and Wiki
William Friedkin was born on August 29, 1935, and sadly passed away on August 7, 2023, at the age of 87. He was an iconic American director and producer, best known for his influential works in the film industry, including "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection." His distinctive storytelling and innovative direction earned him accolades, making him one of the most significant filmmakers of his generation. Friedkin's contributions to cinema continue to inspire new filmmakers, preserving his legacy long after his passing.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1935 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 7 August, 2023 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
William Friedkin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific body measurements of William Friedkin were not widely publicized, during his lifetime, he was known to have an average height and build for a man of his age. Posthumously, it's essential to remember him not just by physical attributes but by the incredible cinematic journey he embarked on throughout his life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
William Friedkin was previously married to actress and producer, "Leslie" (1965-1974). He then married "Sherry Lansing," the former Chairwoman of Paramount Pictures, in 1991, but they divorced in 1993. Throughout his life, Friedkin had several relationships; however, no prominent details regarding a boyfriend or girlfriend were disclosed publicly. He was often private about his personal relationships, focusing on his craft and contributions to the film industry.
His father was a semi-professional softball player, merchant seaman, and men's clothing salesman. His mother, whom Friedkin called "a saint," was a nurse. His parents were Jewish emigrants from Ukraine, in the Russian empire. His grandparents, parents, and other relatives fled Russia during a particularly violent anti-Jewish pogrom in 1903.
Friedkin's father was somewhat uninterested in making money, and the family was generally lower middle class while he was growing up. According to film historian Peter Biskind, "Friedkin viewed his father with a mixture of affection and contempt for not making more of himself."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, William Friedkin's net worth was estimated to be in the range of $10 million to $25 million. His wealth stemmed from a successful career that spanned over five decades, during which he directed critically acclaimed films, earned awards, and worked on various television projects. His contributions to Hollywood and his unique vision made him a highly sought-after director, securing significant earnings throughout his life.
Career, Business and Investments
William Friedkin's career was marked by a series of groundbreaking films that defined genres and changed the landscape of contemporary cinema. He gained fame with the gripping cop drama "The French Connection" (1971), which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. "The Exorcist" (1973) became a horror classic and remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Beyond filmmaking, Friedkin was involved in various projects, including theater productions and television series. His creative vision led to numerous awards, including the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to his work in film, he also had interests in theater, producing and directing plays that showcased his versatility as a storyteller.
William David Friedkin (August 29, 1935 – August 7, 2023) was an American film, television and opera director, producer, and screenwriter who was closely identified with the "New Hollywood" movement of the 1970s.
Beginning his career in documentaries in the early 1960s, he is best known for his crime thriller film The French Connection (1971), which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and the horror film The Exorcist (1973), which earned him another Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
Social Network
While William Friedkin was not known for being particularly active on social media, his legacy is celebrated through various fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to his work. His films often spark conversations and are frequently discussed across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where filmmakers and cinephiles gather to honor his influence on modern cinema.
Friedkin began going to movies as a teenager, and cited Citizen Kane as one of his key influences. Several sources claim that Friedkin saw this motion picture as a teenager, but Friedkin himself said that he did not see the film until 1960, when he was 25 years old. Only then, Friedkin said, did he become a true cineaste.
Among the movies that he also saw as a teenager and young adult were Les Diaboliques, The Wages of Fear (which many consider he remade as Sorcerer), and Psycho (which he viewed repeatedly, like Citizen Kane). Televised documentaries such as 1960's Harvest of Shame were also important to his developing sense of cinema.
Education
Friedkin attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied film direction. His education laid the foundation for his successful career, providing him with the skills and knowledge he would later apply in a variety of creative ventures. His dedication to the craft of filmmaking and his innovative approach were evident in his body of work, and he remains an enduring figure in the history of American cinema.
* Hamm, Theodore. Rebel and a Cause: Caryl Chessman and the Politics of the Death Penalty in Postwar California, 1948–1974. Berkeley, Calif.: University of California Press, 2001. ISBN 0-520-22427-2
