William Friedkin, best known for his Oscar-winning films “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” died on Monday in Los Angeles. He was 87.
Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway, a friend of Friedkin’s wife Sherry Lansing, confirmed his death.
His first three marriages — to the actresses Jeanne Moreau and Lesley-Anne Down and the television news anchor Kelly Lange — ended in divorce.
Who is Jeanne Moreau?
Jeanne Moreau was a French actress and filmmaker who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Born on January 23, 1928, in Paris, she grew up in a creative and intellectual environment, which sparked her passion for the arts from an early age.
Moreau’s career in acting began on stage, and she soon transitioned to films in the 1950s. She gained international fame and critical acclaim for her performances in iconic films, such as “Elevator to the Gallows” (1958) and “Jules et Jim” (1962), directed by François Truffaut. Moreau’s natural beauty, emotional depth, and enigmatic presence captivated audiences and earned her the nickname “The Face of the New Wave.”
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She was married to Friedkin from 1977 to 1979.
Jeanne Moreau’s impact on cinema earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She received several César Awards, including an Honorary César for her lifetime achievement in 1995. She was also the recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship and the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.
On July 31, 2017, Jeanne Moreau passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles around the world.
Who is Lesley-Anne Down?
Lesley-Anne Down is an English actress who has had a successful career in film, television, and theater. Born on March 17, 1954, in Wandsworth, London, she began her acting career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent and beauty.
Lesley-Anne Down made her film debut in the 1969 movie “The Smashing Bird I Used to Know” and went on to appear in several other films during the 1970s and 1980s. Some of her notable film credits include “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” (1976), “Sphinx” (1981), and “Nomads” (1986).
In addition to her work in films, Lesley-Anne Down has had a successful career on television. She is perhaps best known for her role as Georgina Worsley in the 1981 miniseries “Upstairs, Downstairs,” for which she received critical acclaim and earned a Golden Globe Award nomination. She also starred in the popular television series “North and South” (1985) and its sequels.
Lesley-Anne Down has been married three times and has several children.
Who is Kelly Lange?
Kelly Lange is an American television journalist and author, best known for her long and successful career in broadcasting. Born on December 14, 1937, in Hollywood, California, Lange began her journey in the media industry at a young age. She attended California State University, Northridge, where she earned a degree in journalism.
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Lange’s broadcasting career began in the 1960s when she worked as a weathercaster for KHJ-TV in Los Angeles. In 1971, she joined KNBC-TV and became one of the first female television news anchors in the United States. Her presence and dedication to reporting made her a well-respected figure in the field.
In addition to her broadcasting career, Kelly Lange is also a successful author. She has written several novels, including “Trophy Wife,” “Gallery of Evil,” and “Maxi,” demonstrating her talent for storytelling beyond the realm of journalism.
Lange’s achievements and contributions to the field of broadcasting have been recognized with various honors, including multiple Emmy Awards and the prestigious Golden Mike Award.
