William Friedkin

Premiere: William Friedkin at the Mann Village Theare premiere of Paramount's Rules Of Engagement in Westwood, CA - 4/2/2000 Photo by: Steve Granitz

Biography

Born 08/29/1935

One of the most powerful film directors of the 1970’s, Academy Award-winning director William Friedkin was representative of Hollywood’s first wave of hip, hot, young super-directors. Famed for his boisterous talent and booming ego, Friedkin earned a reputation for drawing out brilliant...
William Friedkin's biography »

Rating:

Awards

  • In 1974, received NATO for Director of the Year
  • In 1973, received Golden Globe for Best Director
  • In 1971, received Directors Guild of America for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film

Highlights

  • In 2007, Directed the psychological horror film, "Bug" starring Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr.
  • In 2002, Directed Benicio Del Toro in "The Hunted"; production was shut down in June 2001 when Del Toro was injured days before principal photography was due to end (completed several months later)
  • In 2002, Staged two productions for the Los Angeles Opera

Family & Companions

  • Ellen Burstyn: worked together on "The Exorcist" (1973); Burstyn claims they had an affair c. 1976; Friedkin disputes it claiming they were "just friends"
  • Jennifer Nairn-Smith: met in 1972; together for four years; twice announced engagement; mother of Friedkin's son Cedric
  • Kitty Hawks: also worked in an advertising agency; daughter of Howard Hawks; introduced to Friedkin by playwright Mart Crowly c. 1969 during the filming of "Boys in the Band"; lived together; announced engagement but separated in June 1971

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