CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
… sigh.
This is truly a sad for for all of us fans of The Exorcist, and it’s one that’s not going to be forgotten — ever. It’s just one of those things that’s extremely hard to write about, and I know that the news has broken practically everywhere else, and by far more popular sources, so you likely already know about the passing of Bill Blatty, but I feel as if this post needs to be on CaptainHowdy. It’s just one of those things that need to be done — almost like a tribute — an homage — of the man responsible for all of this.
Unfortunately, as I said, this is extremely hard to write, and I’ve found myself drudging through this thing sentence-by-sentence, only to end up hitting the backspace key over-and-over. Even though this is an extremely sad day for all of us, I think it’s important that we celebrate the life of Blatty, and remember the gift he bestowed upon us in 1971.
Blatty passed away yesterday, January 12th, 2017, at the age of 89. His wife, Julie Blatty, confirmed that it was caused by multiple myeloma.
A definition of multiple myeloma, which is classified as a rare disease:
The plasma cells are a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. With this condition, a group of plasma cells becomes cancerous and multiplies. The disease can damage the bones, immune system, kidneys, and red blood cell count. Symptoms may not be present or may be non-specific, such as loss of appetite, bone pain, and fever. Treatments include medications, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation, or a stem-cell transplant.
Source: Mayo Clinic
As you can imagine, numerous high-profile accounts on Twitter are paying their respects to the legendary author:
William Peter Blatty, dear friend and brother who created The Exorcist passed away yesterday
— William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) January 13, 2017
'Exorcist' author William Peter Blatty dead at 89 /// One of the great commercial modern American novels. #RIP https://t.co/OHb0hdadq7
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 13, 2017
RIP William Peter Blatty, who wrote the great horror novel of our time. So long, Old Bill.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 13, 2017
And of course, Linda Blair has already posted numerous tweets in response to the news of his passing. Here is the first one she sent out:
RIP my dear friend Bill Blatty! The rare rainbow over LBWF dog rescue this morning carries your love & spirit pic.twitter.com/20lyADSfJJ
— Linda Blair (@RealLindaBlair) January 13, 2017
Even though we’ve lost a legend, I want to give you all this; just so it will put a little smile on your face, and give you some insight into the type of man that William Peter Blatty was, as he shared this hilarious memory about a prank that he pulled on his friend:
I don’t care who you are; that story is going to put a smile on your face, and I think that’s important in these dire times.
With that being said, I offer up my respects. If it weren’t for that man, this site wouldn’t exist right now. And for that, I’m forever thankful.
You will be missed, William Peter Blatty, but the gift you’ve given to the world will ensure that you live on forever in the hearts of your fans around the world. I know you’ll certainly live on in my heart.
I’m going to finish this post with a quote from Blatty himself, when he explained the meaning of The Exorcist:
“That God exists and the universe itself will have a happy ending.” – William Peter Blatty
