William Peter Blatty, author of the 1971 novel The Exorcist and the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of the 1973 movie adaptation, has passed away aged 89. The news was announced on Twitter by William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist.
William Peter Blatty, dear friend and brother who created The Exorcist passed away yesterday
— William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) January 13, 2017
Beginning his career as a writer in the 1950s, Blatty published a number of novels before turning his hand to screenwriting, penning scripts for the likes of A Shot in the Dark, The Man from the Diner’s Club, Promise Her Anything, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? and Darling Lili.
Following the success of The Exorcist, Blatty would adapt two of his novels as writer and director with The Ninth Configuration (based on Twinkle, Twinkle, “Killer” Kane!) and The Exorcist III (based on Legion), before returning to novel writing.
Originally published January 13, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
