Joseph Wilkinson | New York Daily News (TNS)

William Friedkin, the Oscar-winning director who shocked and terrified audiences with “The Exorcist,” died Monday. He was 87.

Friedkin died in Los Angeles, his wife, Sherry Lansing, told The Hollywood Reporter.

A well-known perfectionist behind the camera, Friedkin dazzled his way onto the scene with 1971′s “The French Connection.” His biggest commercial success followed two years later, as “The Exorcist” enthralled and horrified audiences nationwide, smashing box office records for the time.

Audiences knew Friedkin best for the horror picture, but “The French Connection” was the film that earned him the Academy Award for best director.

A lifelong cinephile, Friedkin continued producing and directing movies for decades to follow. His final picture, “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial,” is scheduled to debut next month at the Venice Film Festival.

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