The Exorcist

William Peter Blatty was an American author, screenwriter, and filmmaker, best known for his iconic horror novel The Exorcist. Born on January 7, 1928, in New York City, Blatty’s early life was influenced by his Catholic faith, which would later shape much of his writing. He served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing a career in writing, attending Georgetown University where he earned a degree in English literature.

Blatty’s career began in Hollywood, where he wrote for television and film. However, it was The Exorcist (1971) that catapulted him to international fame. The novel, a chilling tale of a young girl possessed by a demon, became a worldwide bestseller and was adapted into a groundbreaking film in 1973. Blatty not only wrote the book but also wrote and directed the film, which received critical acclaim and became a cultural phenomenon.

Blatty went on to write several other novels, including Legion (1983), a sequel to The Exorcist, and The Ninth Configuration (1978), which explored themes of mental illness and faith. Though he wrote across various genres, Blatty is most remembered for his contributions to horror and psychological thrillers, with his works continuing to influence the genre long after his death in 2017. His blend of horror, faith, and moral dilemmas remains a lasting legacy in the literary world.