LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Linda Blair, the star of 'The Exorcist,' paid tribute to the film’s director William Friedkin, who died on Monday at 87. She called him a “genius”, a “game changer” and the person who “changed my life forever”.
Blair, who was only 14 when she played the demonically possessed Regan MacNeil in the 1973 horror classic, wrote a lengthy Instagram post to honour Friedkin.
How did Linda Blair pay tribute to William Friedkin?
Blair compared him to Sidney Poitier’s character in 'To Sir with Love,' a teacher who inspired his students. "How do you put into words appreciation to the person that changed your life forever, along with the world?"
“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,” she wrote.
She continued, "Every actor wanted to work with him and maybe my story is the most poignant. Taking a real 13-year-old and confirming my stability to endure the journey he was about to take me and the world on." She praised Friedkin for his “demanding guidance, commitment and strict work ethic” and his “groundbreaking special effects” that made her performance “shocking and unforgettable," Deadline also reported.
'He changed my life forever'
She also thanked him for protecting her from the “maddening crowds” that followed the film’s release and for supporting her love for animals.“He was my director, friend, and protector."
She continued, "It was an honor to know him and I am deeply saddened at this time. He changed my life forever, along with the world through my performance, and all my performances throughout my career," Linda wrote before concluding, "He understood my need to remain grounded in nature, my love for animals, and giving me my first prize horse which I named “Best Director” in his honor."
"He supported my continued love for animals and my foundation Linda Blair Worldheart, to change the world for the animals. She also expressed her condolences to Friedkin’s wife Sherry Lansing, his son Cedric and his grandson Jack.
'I will miss you always'
Blair also shared some photos of her and Friedkin on the set of 'The Exorcist' and at various events over the years. She captioned them with heartfelt messages such as “My dear friend Billy…I will miss you always” and “Billy…you were always there for me”.
'The Exorcist,' based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, was a huge success at the box office and among critics. It received 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress for Blair. It is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential horror films of all time.
