# William Peter Blatty

> American writer and filmmaker (1928-2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q540784](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q540784)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Peter_Blatty)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-peter-blatty

## Summary
William Peter Blatty was an American writer and filmmaker (1928–2017), best known for creating *The Exorcist*, the 1973 horror film and its novel adaptation. His work revolutionized the horror genre and remains a cultural touchstone.

## Biography
- Born: January 7, 1928
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University
- Known for: Pioneering the modern horror genre with *The Exorcist*
- Employer(s): Georgetown University, George Washington University
- Field(s): Screenwriting, film directing, novel writing

## Contributions
- **The Exorcist (1973)**: Directed and co-wrote the screenplay for the iconic horror film, which became a cultural phenomenon and spawned multiple sequels.
- **The Exorcist (novel, 1971)**: Authored the novel that inspired the film, establishing the supernatural horror subgenre.
- **Screenwriting**: Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Exorcist* (1974).
- **Academic Career**: Taught at Georgetown University and George Washington University, contributing to literary and film studies.

## FAQs
**What is William Peter Blatty best known for?**
Blatty is best known for creating *The Exorcist*, both as a novel and a film, which redefined the horror genre in the 1970s.

**Where did William Peter Blatty work?**
He taught at Georgetown University and George Washington University, and worked as a screenwriter and filmmaker.

**What awards did William Peter Blatty receive?**
He won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Exorcist* and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement.

**What was William Peter Blatty's educational background?**
He studied at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University.

## Why They Matter
William Peter Blatty's *The Exorcist* redefined horror cinema, blending religious themes with psychological terror. The film's success launched a franchise and influenced generations of filmmakers. His work remains a benchmark for supernatural horror, shaping the genre's evolution. His academic contributions also advanced literary and film studies. Blatty's legacy endures as a pioneer of modern horror, ensuring his place in cinematic history.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Winner**: Received the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Exorcist* (1974).
- **Bram Stoker Award**: Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award (1987).
- **Horror Icon**: *The Exorcist* remains one of the most influential horror films ever made.
- **Academic Influence**: Taught at prestigious universities, shaping film and literature education.
- **Cultural Impact**: The novel and film established the modern supernatural horror subgenre.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
William Peter Blatty was born on January 7, 1928. He attended Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University, where he studied literature and film.

### Career in Writing and Filmmaking
Blatty began his career as a screenwriter and novelist. His 1971 novel *The Exorcist* became a bestseller and inspired the 1973 film adaptation, which he directed and co-wrote. The film's success revolutionized horror cinema, blending religious themes with psychological terror.

### Awards and Recognition
Blatty won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Exorcist* (1974). He also received the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1987, recognizing his contributions to horror literature and film.

### Academic Career
Blatty taught at Georgetown University and George Washington University, where he contributed to literary and film studies. His academic work influenced future generations of writers and filmmakers.

### Legacy
William Peter Blatty's *The Exorcist* remains a cultural touchstone, shaping the horror genre for decades. His work as a filmmaker and writer ensured his place in cinematic and literary history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [William Peter Blatty obituary. TheGuardian.com. 2017](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/jan/16/william-peter-blatty-obituary)
3. [Exorcist author William Peter Blatty dies aged 89. TheGuardian.com. 2017](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/jan/13/exorcist-author-william-peter-blatty-dies-aged-89)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. IMDb
6. BnF authorities
7. datos.bne.es
8. www.acmi.net.au
9. Find a Grave
10. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1974)
11. [Source](https://bramstokerawards.horror.org/lifetime-achievement-award/lifetime-achievement-award-2/)
12. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/william-peter-blatty-author-of-the-exorcist-dies-at-89/2017/01/13/729974bc-d9a1-11e6-9a36-1d296534b31e_story.html)
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. CiNii Research
15. MusicBrainz
16. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
17. Babelio
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. CONOR.SI
20. BBC Things
21. Goodreads
22. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
23. The Movie Database