William Friedkin acclaimed movie director R.I.P.

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William Friedkin, the director who won an Oscar for "The French Connection" and shocked audiences with "The Exorcist," has died. He was 87.

His publicist confirmed in a statement to CBS News that Friedkin died Monday at his home in Los Angeles from heart failure and pneumonia.

Friedkin was best known for his work on "The French Connection," which won him his Oscar, and "The Exorcist," for which he was nominated for an Oscar. "The French Connection" also won Academy Awards for best picture, screenplay and film editing.

In his 2013 memoir, "The Friedkin Connection," the director wrote that he never thought of quitting.

"It takes talent, imagination, and a feeling for the zeitgeist to find a subject that touches a nerve. What I still want from a film — or a play, a painting, a novel, a piece of music — is exhilaration," he wrote. "I want to be moved and surprised at some revelation about the human condition. I think about the love affair I've had with Cinema. Images or fragments pop into my consciousness like fireflies. When I'm able to capture their brief flash, they illuminate a dark corner of memory."

Friedkin was also known for his work on "Killer Joe," "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Sorcerer" and "The Boys in the Band." His most recent work was 2017's "The Devil and Father Amorth," a documentary about exorcism. His final production is a remake of the Herman Wouk novel and stage drama "The Caine Mutiny-Court Martial," which stars Kiefer Sutherland. It's set to premiere at this year's Venice International Film Festival.

The director started his career directing TV movies. His first big screen film was 1965's "Good Times," a comedy starring Sonny and Cher.

Flowers were set to be placed on Friedkin's Walk of Fame star in Hollywood on Monday afternoon.