After it was announced that legendary filmmaker William Friedkin had passed away at the age of 87, tributes poured in from some of Hollywood’s greats.
Friedkin — director of classics like The Exorcist and Best Picture-winning The French Connection — died of pneumonia, as did his wife of more than 30 years, the former studio executive at Paramount Pictures, Sherry Lansing, confirmed.
Movie greats including Halloween director John Carpenter, author Stephen King and The Wire creator David Simon, among many others, took to social media on Monday to share touching tributes and amazing stories about the director.
“Bill Friedkin was a brilliant director and a friend. I will miss him as both. Rest in peace Bill,” Carpenter said in a tweet Monday.
King also tweeted, “Very sorry to hear of the passing of William Friedkin, a most talented filmmaker.” “THE EXORCIST” is great, but for me the true classic was “WIZARD.”
Tributes: Tributes poured in from some of Hollywood’s biggest names after it was announced that legendary filmmaker William Friedkin had passed away at the age of 87
John’s tribute: “Bill Friedkin was a brilliant director and a friend.” I will miss him for both. Rest in peace Bill,” Carpenter said in a tweet Monday
Stephen: King also tweeted, “Very sorry to hear of the passing of William Friedkin, a most talented filmmaker.” THE EXORCIST is great, but the real classic for me was SORCERER
Wire creator David Simon also shared a thread about how Friedkin read his book, which formed the basis of his groundbreaking NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street…before it was published.
Thread: It is very sad to learn that Bill Friedkin, one of the finest directors of 1970’s American film riots, is no longer with us. He was a master. And while others are better able to appreciate his life and legacy, I can offer a small, personal anecdote. At some points it will sound like a humble boast, and maybe it is, but I promise, in the end, the joke is my fault. “In any case: It’s April 1991 and I’m working a weekend shift at the Baltimore Sun and I’m caught in the doldrums of a slow night,” Simon began.
He added that he struggled when Friedkin called him at the newsroom and said he’d read his book, though Simon thought it was someone pranking and replied, “Fuck you, Alvarez.” Don’t you have anything better to do on a Sunday night?”
Simon said his agents mailed the manuscript to “some people from LA,” though he had no hope it would get traction, and he thought Friedkin’s call was a prank … although he was wrong.
“Mr. Friedkin. I’m so sorry, I was like, oh man, I’m such a fan…” Simon said when Friedkin replied, “I didn’t know if I’d meet you on a Sunday night, but I thought I’d “I called, just as I finished reading Homicide” when he told a colleague that he thought Friedkin would buy his book and make a movie out of it…but that wasn’t the case.
“I’m going to spend the next forty minutes talking to bloody William Friedkin about my book.” The cases. The detectives. The structure… He read it. He really read it. I was won over by his attention to detail. I wonder if he will keep the book title or if the book will be in theaters soon as The Baltimore Connection. With every moment that I pass on the phone, I realize what is happening here. Before the conversation finally falters for a moment, Friedkin sighs and says, “Well, that was enjoyable reading and I just thought I should let you know. It was a pleasure talking to you.” He says goodbye and hangs up. And that’s the last I’ll hear from William Friedkin in maybe three decades, until I’m standing on the steps of a New Orleans building mostly occupied by various production companies filming in that city. I’m doing a TV show after fighting my way into the industry without the help of Bill Friedkin. And as the stairs come toward me, there’s none other than Friedkin himself. He’s shooting a movie in town and his offices are above ours. I recognize him immediately. “Bill Motherf***ing Friedkin,” Simon recalls
“I introduce myself and remind him of the call to the Metro Desk a long time ago, our long, dedicated conversation. “I thought you were calling because you wanted to buy the book and make a movie…” Simon recalled
Friedkin raised an eyebrow and replied, “No, no.” I just enjoyed the book. That wouldn’t have been a good movie. Better for TV. But hey, nice to finally meet you. “And he was gone once again,” Simon concluded.
David’s Thread: The Wire creator David Simon also shared a thread about how Friedkin had read his book, which formed the basis of his groundbreaking NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street…before it was published
Writer Don Winslow tweeted, “#WilliamFriedkin.” RIP to a genius. I became a writer through The French Connection. “A brilliant man who I was lucky enough to spend some time with.”
Director Guillermo del Toro added in a tweet, “The world has lost one of the gods of cinema.” Cinema has lost a true scholar and I have lost a dear, loyal and true friend. William Friedkin left us. We were lucky to have him.’
Elijah Wood added, “Aww man… a true cinematic master whose influence will live forever.” See you then, William Friedkin.’
Screenwriter Larry Karaszewski (“The People Vs. Larry Flynt,” “Man on the Moon”) told a story about how he, a self-proclaimed “chubby boy,” resorted to desperate measures to see Friedkin’s The Exorcist when he was just 12 years old.
While he said his mother “usually lets me see R-rated movies,” she “draws the line” on The Exorcist, adding that he asked his older sister to “bring an audiocassette player to the drive-in and the record entire film.’ Me.’
His mother refused to let him see it until he “blurted out, ‘What if I lost 35 pounds in a month?’
“My mom must have said she never believed her chubby little son could do it.” So I went on a crazy diet and lost 35 pounds in 31 days. Craziness. And finally I got to see The Exorcist and I wasn’t disappointed. “A masterpiece and still the greatest horror film of all time,” concluded the author.
Horror filmmaker Eli Roth shared a snap of him with Friedkin on Instagram, adding, “Silence to the legend William Friedkin.” One of the most influential directors of all time who certainly changed the course of my life with The Exorcist . He was so incredibly nice and helpful when I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. Check out Sorcerer and Cruising if you haven’t seen them before. He was unique. Legend.’
Guillermo: Director Guillermo del Toro added in a tweet, “The world has lost one of the gods of cinema.” Cinema has lost a true scholar and I have lost a dear, loyal and true friend. William Friedkin left us. We were blessed to have him.
Elijah: Elijah Wood added, “Aww man… a true cinematic master whose influence will live forever.” See you then, William Friedkin
Larry: Screenwriter Larry Karaszewski (“The People Vs. Larry Flynt,” “Man on the Moon”) told a story about how he, a self-confessed “chubby boy,” resorted to desperate measures to see Friedkin’s The Exorcist , when he was just 12 years old
Eli: Horror filmmaker Eli Roth shared a snap of him with Friedkin on Instagram, adding, “Silence to the legend William Friedkin.” One of the most influential directors of all time, The Exorcist certainly took my life in a different direction directed. He was so incredibly nice and helpful when I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. Check out Sorcerer and Cruising if you haven’t seen them before. He was unique. Legend’
Mike: Simpsons writer Mike Reiss narrated a story from the Mister Plow episode of the long-running animated series that was about a tribute to Friedkin
Mark: Comics writer Mark Millar (“The Kingsman”) added, “William Friedkin, the director of the greatest horror film of all time, has passed away and the power of his work is such that I feel a little nervous when I look at this image my desktop.” to remove it out of sheer superstition. That’s how powerful it is 50 years later.
Influence: Film producer Jason Blum, best known for his low-budget horror films and thrillers, tweeted how much of an influence Friedkin had on his own work
Christopher: Director Chris Miller (21 Jump Street) added, “RIP William Friedkin, one of the best that’s ever done.” I met him at his house earlier this year and told him about the impact SORCERER had on Phil and me . In case you haven’t seen it, it’s not about a magician, it’s about transporting TNT through the jungle, and it’s a master class in suspense.
Marc: Actor and podcaster Marc Maron added, “RIP William Friedkin.” Brave director. Made some of the greatest films of all time. One of the best conversations I’ve had on the show.
Matt: Director Matt Reeves (“Planet of the Apes: Prevolution”) added, “What an amazing artist… I was so impressed by his incredible work, both on screen and in opera… His staging of Puccini’s “Suor.” “Angelica” was one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. A legend. My heart goes out to Sherry and his sons. RIP William Friedkin’
Simpsons writer Mike Reiss narrated a story from the Mister Plow episode of the long-running animated series that involved a tribute to Friedkin.
“When we were working on the Mr. Plow show, we heard that William Friedkin was a fan of @TheSimpsons. That’s why we added a parody of his film SORCERER especially for him. Years later, he attended the show, enchanted everyone, and even became a guest star. RIP, great guy,” Reiss said.
Comics writer Mark Millar (“The Kingsman”) added, “William Friedkin, the director of the greatest horror film of all time, has passed away and the power of his work is such that I feel a little nervous when I see this image on my desktop erase.” it out of nothing more than pure superstition. That’s how powerful it is 50 years later.”
Film producer Jason Blum, best known for his low-budget horror films and thrillers, tweeted how much Friedkin influenced his own work.
“I am personally indebted to William Friedkin and saddened by his loss. More than any other filmmaker, he transformed both the way directors approached horror films and the wider culture’s perception of horror films. “We are deeply saddened by the news of his death and extremely grateful for the body of work he left behind,” said Blum.
Director Chris Miller (21 Jump Street) added, “RIP William Friedkin, one of the best that’s ever done.” I met him at his house earlier this year and told him about the impact SORCERER had on Phil and me. “If you haven’t seen it, it’s not about a magician, it’s about transporting TNT through the jungle, and it’s a master class in suspense.”
Actor and podcaster Marc Maron added, “RIP William Friedkin.” Brave director. Made some of the greatest films of all time. One of the best conversations I’ve had on the show.’
Director Matt Reeves (“Planet of the Apes: Prevolution”) added, “What a phenomenal artist… I was so struck by his incredible work, both on screen and in opera… His staging of Puccini’s Suor Angelica” was one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. A legend. My heart goes out to Sherry and his sons. RIP William Friedkin.’