The Committee on Transportation and Public Way has approved an ordinance to honor the late William Friedkin, a renowned film director, producer, and screenwriter from Chicago. The ordinance instructs the Commissioner of Transportation to designate the section of N Ridge from 5855 to 5920 as "William Friedkin Way." This tribute acknowledges Friedkin's cinematic achievements, including his Academy Award-winning films "The French Connection" and "The Exorcist," and celebrates his Chicago heritage. The ordinance will become effective immediately upon its passage and publication.

William Friedkin, who recently passed away at 87, is recognized for his influential work in the film industry, with early successes that became cultural landmarks. Despite his later works not achieving the same level of acclaim, Friedkin's impact on cinema endures, highlighted by an upcoming "Exorcist" film directed by David Gordon Green. The ordinance also notes Friedkin's personal history, detailing his upbringing in Chicago, his start in the WGN mail room, and his education at Nicholas Senn High School. The text of the ordinance does not include any specific legal insertions or deletions, focusing instead on providing a rationale for the commemoration.