William Friedkin, director of ‘The Exorcist,’ dead at 87

William Friedkin, the Oscar-winning director of 1970s cinematic classics “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection,” has died in Los Angeles. He was 87. The legendary filmmaker’s passing was confirmed by his wife, former producer and Paramount Pictures studio head Sherry Lansing. Friedkin also helmed the groundbreaking gay-themed 1970 drama “The Boys in the Band,” as well as...