The filmmaker, who is known for her Emmy-winning documentary 'Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse', passed away at her home in Rutherford, California, surrounded by her family.
- Apr 12, 2024
AceShowbiz - Eleanor Coppola, known for her Emmy-winning documentary "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" and her directorial debut in "Paris Can Wait", passed away on Friday at her home in Rutherford, California, surrounded by her family. She was 87 years old.
As the wife of renowned director Francis Ford Coppola for 61 years, Eleanor played a significant role in the filmmaking world. Her documentary "Hearts of Darkness", chronicling the tumultuous production of her husband's "Apocalypse Now", won an Emmy and a DGA Award in 1991.
In addition to her documentaries, Eleanor ventured into narrative filmmaking with "Paris Can Wait" in 2016, becoming the oldest American director to make a dramatic feature debut at age 80. She also directed "Love Is Love Is Love" in 2020.
Beyond her filmmaking accomplishments, Eleanor was a talented artist and writer. Her drawings, photos and conceptual art pieces have been exhibited globally, and she published several acclaimed books, including "Notes on the Making of Apocalypse Now" and "Notes on a Life".
Eleanor's artistic journey began when she met Francis while working as an assistant art director on his 1963 horror film "Dementia 13". Together, they raised three children, Gian-Carlo, Roman and Sofia Coppola, who all pursued careers in filmmaking. Gian-Carlo tragically passed away in a boating accident in 1986.
Eleanor's memory will be cherished by her husband Francis, her son Roman and his family, her daughter Sofia and her family, her granddaughter Gia and her family, and her brother William Neil and his family. She recently completed her third memoir, capturing her extraordinary life experiences.
Eleanor Coppola will be remembered as an influential artist, a dedicated wife and mother, and a force behind the creation of some of cinema's most iconic films. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and artists.
