William Peter Blatty, the author best known for writing The Exorcist, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. Cause of death is not known at this time, but William Friedkin, who directed the 1973 horror classic confirmed his passing on Twitter.
William Peter Blatty, dear friend and brother who created The Exorcist passed away yesterday
— William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) January 13, 2017
As well as the original source novel, Blatty also penned the screenplay for The Exorcist, as well as the second sequel The Exorcist III. He also directed The Ninth Configuration (1980), which was also based on his own novel. The film was nominated for Best Picture at the 1981 Golden Globe Awards, though lost out to On Golden Pond. Blatty did however pick up a Best Screenplay award.
Though he wrote many novels and was involved in motion pictures, Blatty will forever be known as the creative genius behind The Exorcist, a horror film still frightening audiences to this very day.
May he rest in peace.
