The Exorcist's Linda Blair pays tribute to late director William Friedkin
The Exorcist star Linda Blair has shared a sweet tribute to late director William Friedkin on Instagram.
Friedkin passed away on Monday (August 7) at the age of 87. No cause of death has been released but the director was said to have suffered health issues in recent years.
Sharing a series of photos of herself and Friedkin, Blair wrote: "Billy Friedken was a game changer, thought outside the box, was a genius with an incredibly bold personality and extraordinary imagery that electrified colleagues and moviegoers alike and remained a true maverick throughout his career in the film industry."
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Blair went on to share her personal story of working with Friedkin on the 1973 film, when she was just 13 years old.
"His directing came with demanding guidance, commitment and strict work ethic," Blair wrote. "His creative licensing with my performance, always thought provoking and precise with his 'on point' direction for my performance as Regan.
"Pushing envelopes with groundbreaking special effects to ensure my performance was nothing less than shocking and unforgettable. He fiercely protected me from the maddening crowds that reared their ugly heads back in the day of the movie's release."
Blair ended by describing Friedkin as "my director, friend and protector", adding: "He changed my life forever, along with the world through my performance, and all my performances throughout my career."
Blair's co-star Ellen Burstyn also paid tribute to Friedkin in a statement (via The Hollywood Reporter): "My friend Bill Friedkin was an original; smart, cultured, fearless and wildly talented. On the set, he knew what he wanted, would go to any length to get it and was able to let it go if he saw something better happening. He was undoubtedly a genius."
Friedkin is survived by his wife Sherry Lansing, who told BBC News: "He had a wonderful life. He was almost 88 - he has a new movie coming out. He was the most wonderful husband in the world. He was the most wonderful father in the world. He had a big wonderful, life. There was no dream unfulfilled."
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The director's final project was The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, starring Kiefer Sutherland. The film is due to premiere at the Venice International Film Festival next month.
Friedkin's passing also comes just two months before the release of The Exorcist: Believer, a direct sequel to his 1973 film. The film is due to be released on October 13 and will see Ellen Burstyn reprise her role as Chris MacNeil from the original film.
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