Photo:Morgan Lieberman/Getty
Morgan Lieberman/Getty
Ellen Burstynand herThe ExorcistcostarLinda Blairare mourning directorWilliam Friedkinafter his death at 87.
“My friend Bill Friedkin was an original; smart, cultured, fearless and wildly talented," Burstyn toldThe Hollywood Reporterin a statement. “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.”
Blair further memorialized Friedkin in anInstagrampost shared Monday night, featuring a number throwback pictures of herself with the filmmaker on the film’s set and at events in recent years. In a caption, she referenced Sidney Poitier’s 1967 filmTo Sir, With Loveas she wondered, “How do you put into words appreciation to the person that changed your life forever, along with the world?”
Screen Archives/Getty
“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,” Blair wrote in the caption to her post.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Actress Ellen Burstyn (L) and director William Friedkin attend Burstyn’s celebration of the release of her memoirs, “Lessons in Becoming Myself”, at the Chateau Marmont on November 3, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.David Livingston/Getty
David Livingston/Getty
Blair complimented Friedkin’s directing abilities in her post and his desire to use “ground breaking special effects to ensure my performance was nothing less than shocking and unforgettable.”
“He was my director, friend, and protector. It was an honor to know him and I am deeply saddened at this time,” Blair finished in her caption. “He changed my life forever, along with the world through my performance, and all my performances throughout my career.”
Friedkin’s wife, former producer and studio executive Sherry Lansing, confirmed Friedkin’s death toTHRon Monday. The director was also known for his 1972 movieThe French Connection, for which he won the Best Director Oscar for at the 1972 Academy Awards.
Blair clarified back in 2021 that shewould not return as Reganfor the sequel, writing onTwitterat the time that she appreciated “the loyalty and passion the fans have forThe Exorcistand my character.”
source: people.com
