Remember the bone-chilling performance of Linda Blair as the demon-possessed Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist? At just 13 years old, she terrified audiences and left a lasting impact on the horror genre. But what happened to her after the film? Let’s take a closer look at the dark side of her journey. Along with its controversial religious theme, The Exorcist was plagued by unfortunate incidents that rattled the cast and crew. With its unsettling storyline and terrifying visuals, this film unleashed a wave of terror both on and off the screen. 
A Terrifying Path to Fame
Directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist was based on William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel inspired by a real-life exorcism. Released in 1973, the movie tells the story of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, whose disturbing behavior raises concerns. As her mother seeks help, Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest, confirms the presence of an evil spirit. To save Regan, Karras persuades the Catholic Church to perform an exorcism.
Despite its controversial content, The Exorcist became a box office hit and received numerous awards. It launched Linda Blair’s career into superstardom. Starting as a child model, Blair had already appeared in various commercials and advertisements by the age of five. The role of Regan was a turning point for her, propelling her into the spotlight. 
Overcoming Challenges
As a young teenager, Blair considered giving up acting to pursue her love for animals. However, the opportunity to star in The Exorcist was too tempting to resist. During auditions, Friedkin instantly recognized her talent and chose her over thousands of other hopefuls.
Despite being a newcomer, Blair was never treated with kid gloves. She was expected to perform physically demanding and dangerous tasks. Special effects in the 1970s relied on real-life action rather than technological wizardry. This left the cast vulnerable to injury and illness.
In one intense scene, where Father Karras tumbles down a steep flight of stairs to his death, a stuntman fearlessly hurled himself down 97 steps. While Blair didn’t have to replicate this stunt, the straps holding her to the bed during her possession scenes dug into her back. Her bedroom set, designed to shake, was kept at a freezing temperature for dramatic effect, while Blair wearing nothing but a nightgown. The challenges and risks were felt by everyone involved.
The Cursed Set
The set of The Exorcist seemed cursed, with a long list of tragedies and deaths associated with its production. Marcel Vercoutere, the special effects innovator responsible for making Blair’s head spin, admitted to feeling like he was “playing around with something I shouldn’t be playing around with.”
One of the most bizarre incidents occurred when a bird flew into a lightbox, causing a massive fire that engulfed the entire set where Regan’s exorcism was set to take place. Production was halted for six weeks while the set was rebuilt. The day before the fire, Friedkin asked a Jesuit priest to bless the set to ward off any potential negative energies. Unfortunately, even the blessing couldn’t prevent further tragedy.
Jack MacGowran, the actor who portrayed Regan’s first victim in the film, passed away from influenza before its release. Vasiliki Maliaros, the actress playing Father Karras’ mother, also died during production. Astonishingly, their characters also meet a tragic end in The Exorcist. Other members of the cast and crew experienced personal losses, including Blair, whose grandfather passed away during filming. In total, nine people linked to the production lost their lives.
The Aftermath
Blair, at such a young age, was unaware of the complexities and sensitivities associated with the film’s subject matter. She viewed The Exorcist as a work of fiction, oblivious to the impact it had on some viewers. Unfortunately, many religious individuals blamed Blair for their own personal crises, accusing her of glorifying Satan. She even received death threats as a result.
Speaking to the press was overwhelming for the 14-year-old, who found herself bombarded with questions about faith and Catholicism during press conferences. Blair said, “The amount of pressure that came down on me wasn’t anything I was prepared for… It was probably the most awful thing you could imagine.”
Her iconic role as Regan continued to haunt her career. Blair struggled to find roles that showcased her talent beyond being a helpless victim. She experimented with a nude photoshoot for Oui magazine in 1982 in an attempt to change her image, but it backfired, leading to exploitative roles and a downward spiral in her career. 
A New Calling
Returning to her passion for animals, Blair founded the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected animals. Despite her efforts, Blair admitted feeling discouraged by the media’s inability to see beyond her past. However, she remains determined to make a difference.
In conclusion, The Exorcist is undeniably one of the most terrifying movies of all time, and Linda Blair’s performance as Regan MacNeil left an indelible mark on audiences. Despite the challenges and hardships she faced, Blair’s resilience shines through as she continues to advocate for the welfare of animals. If you have seen The Exorcist, we would love to hear your thoughts on this unforgettable horror classic!
