Joseph Wilkinson | New York Daily News (TNS) William Friedkin, the Oscar-winning director of “The French Connection” who later shocked and enthralled audiences with “The Exorcist”, died Monday. He was 87. Friedkin died in Los Angeles said his wife, studio executive Sherry Lansing. Originally known for documentaries, Friedkin astounded his way onto the scene in 1971 with “The French Connection.” The neo-noir starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider and Fernando Rey won five Oscars, with Friedkin taking home best director. Just two years later, Friedkin captivated and terrified audiences in a whole new way with “The Exorcist.” The supernatural picture horrified movie-goers nationwide, but they couldn’t get enough, and the extraordinary film smashed box office records. “You don’t just do any picture next,” Friedkin said while promoting “The Exorcist” in 1973.