Picture a New York storyteller who spun chilling tales of the supernatural that kept readers up all night—meet Frank De Felitta! Born in 1921, this multifaceted author and filmmaker captivated audiences with his bestselling novels Audrey Rose and The Entity, blending psychological depth with occult horror. His unique ability to weave real-life inspirations into gripping narratives made him a titan of American storytelling.
From his early days as a WWII pilot to his Emmy-nominated documentaries and cult-classic films, De Felitta’s career was a thrilling journey through radio, television, and literature. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of the macabre!
The Making of Frank De Felitta
Born on August 3, 1921, in the Bronx, New York, Frank Paul De Felitta grew up in a vibrant city that fueled his creative spark. After serving as a pilot in World War II, he returned to New York in 1945 and kicked off his career writing scripts for the radio thriller series The Whistler. Earning $350 for his first script, he found his calling. His knack for storytelling soon led to television, where he shone as a writer, producer, and director, earning Emmy nominations in 1963 and 1968 for his poignant documentaries, alongside a Peabody Award.
Frank De Felitta’s Unforgettable Stories
De Felitta’s literary breakthrough came with his 1975 novel Audrey Rose, a chilling tale of reincarnation inspired by his son’s uncanny piano-playing talents, which an occultist suggested might stem from a past life. Selling over 3.5 million copies, the novel follows a couple grappling with a stranger’s claim that their daughter, Ivy, embodies his deceased child’s soul. Its 1977 film adaptation, scripted by De Felitta and starring Anthony Hopkins, became a cult classic.
In 1978, De Felitta unleashed The Entity, a disturbing novel based on the real-life case of Doris Bither, a California woman tormented by a spectral entity. This bestseller, which sold millions worldwide, explored themes of trauma and disbelief, with parapsychologists battling skeptics to uncover the truth. Adapted into a 1982 film starring Barbara Hershey, it remains a cornerstone of occult literature. Other works, like the 1982 sequel For Love of Audrey Rose and the 1984 novel Golgotha Falls, showcased his ability to blend metaphysical intrigue with emotional depth.
De Felitta’s style was marked by meticulous research and a knack for grounding supernatural horror in human experiences. His narratives often explored the fragility of the mind and the mysteries of existence, making readers question the boundaries of reality. Whether through reincarnation or spectral forces, his stories resonated with the 1970s’ fascination with the paranormal.
Why Frank De Felitta Matters
Frank De Felitta’s impact on supernatural horror is undeniable. His novels, alongside contemporaries like William Peter Blatty, helped define the genre’s golden age, captivating readers with tales that were as thought-provoking as they were terrifying. His ability to adapt his works for the screen amplified his influence, bringing occult narratives to mainstream audiences. Beyond horror, his documentaries, like the 1965 NBC project Mississippi: A Self Portrait, tackled social issues with raw honesty, though not without controversy, as seen in the tragic aftermath for interviewee Booker Wright.
De Felitta’s legacy endures through his timeless stories and the intrigue they inspire. His work continues to fascinate fans of horror and paranormal literature, cementing his place as a storyteller who dared to explore the unknown. He passed away in 2016 at 94, leaving behind a rich tapestry of narratives that still haunt and inspire.
- Born: August 3, 1921, Bronx, New York
- Key Works: Audrey Rose (1975), The Entity (1978), For Love of Audrey Rose (1982)
- Awards: Emmy nominations (1963, 1968), Peabody Award
- Died: March 29, 2016, Los Angeles
Ready for a spine-chilling read? Snag Audrey Rose or The Entity and dive into Frank De Felitta’s haunting world of supernatural horror!