William Peter Blatty dead aged 89 as tributes pour in for The Exorcist author
THE legendary horror writer who penned The Exorcist has passed away at the age of 89.
William Peter Blatty's death was confirmed on social media by the film's director William Friedkin this afternoon.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Alicia Witbrodt.
The writer won the Oscar in 1973 for his screenplay, based on his own book that was published in 1971 which told the story of a child possessed by a demon.
And thanks to the film's success, the possessed child's image has become iconic among horror fans.
He passed away yesterday, but news of his death only emerged today.
The writer had only just celebrated his birthday on January 7.
Blatty not only wrote the original Exorcist film, but he also directed the third instalment of the franchise.
Since news of his death emerged on social media, tributes have been pouring in.
Born in New York City, he worked as a door to door salesman in the 1950s before eventually breaking into writing just before 1960.
His first book was called Which Way to Mecca, Jack?, but from then it would take 11 years for him to gain worldwide fame for The Exorcist.
Initially he graduated Georgetown University and later got a masters in English Literature at George Washington University.
Growing up in a poor household, William was a devout Roman Catholic, and his writings often revolved around Shakespeare or a crisis of faith.
While he is most known for his work in the horror genre, William actually started his career as a comedy writer, working with director Blake Edwards for a number of screenplays including 1970's Darling Lili - which starred Hollywood icons Rock Hudson and Julie Andrews.
Working under the name Bill Blatty, he also penned scripts for films including The Great Bank Robbery, The Man from the Diners Club and Promise Her Anything.
The making of The Exorcist, and the hysteria that surrounded its release, is known for the spooky myths that have given it a cult status.
One such tale is how the Catholic priest who inspired the story died after he fell when a possessed child spoke to him.
A CIA agent says that Malachi Martin was pushed to his death by an invisible force.
The circumstances surrounding his death are revealed in a new Netflix documentary named Hostage to the Devil.