News William Friedkin, Oscar-winning director of ‘French Connection’ and ‘The Exorcist,’ dies at 87 August 7, 2023August 7, 2023Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYComments Off on William Friedkin, Oscar-winning director of ‘French Connection’ and ‘The Exorcist,’ dies at 87 Acclaimed director William Friedkin, known for his Oscar-winning 1971 film "The French Connection" and 1973's "The Exorcist," died Monday at age 87.