Beloved Filmmaker Eleanor Coppola, Known for Documentaries on Husband Francis Ford Coppola, Passes Away at 87
Renowned filmmaker Eleanor Coppola, who was best known for her documentaries on her husband, celebrated filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, has passed away at the age of 87 in California. Eleanor’s unexpected life took her in many extraordinary directions beyond her wildest imaginings.
Eleanor first met Francis when she was working on his debut film in 1963. The two quickly fell in love, and Eleanor became pregnant shortly after. They married in Las Vegas and went on to have three children – Gian-Carlo, Roman, and Sofia, who all followed in their parents’ footsteps and became filmmakers as well.
One of Eleanor’s most notable works was her documentation of the chaotic making of Francis’s film “Apocalypse Now” in her 1979 book and 1991 film “Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse.” She continued to document her husband and children’s films throughout her career and published a memoir in 2008.
In 2016, at the age of 80, Eleanor made her directorial debut in the film “Paris Can Wait.” She recently finished a third memoir before her passing.
Eleanor is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and brother. Her impact on the filmmaking world and her dedication to documenting the art of cinema will be remembered for years to come. Rest in peace, Eleanor Coppola.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”