Eleanor Coppola, known for documenting the making of her husband Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic films, including the challenging production of “Apocalypse Now,” and for raising a family of filmmakers, has passed away at the age of 87.
Coppola passed away surrounded by her family at home in Rutherford, California, on Friday, as confirmed by her family’s statement and representatives in an email to CBS News.
No specific cause of death was provided.
Eleanor, originally from Orange County, California, met Francis while working on his first film, “Dementia 13,” in 1963. They got married in February of that same year after Eleanor became pregnant.
Their children, Gian-Carlo, Roman, and Sofia, all followed their parents into the film industry, with Sofia becoming a celebrated filmmaker in her own right.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Eleanor continued to support her family’s creative pursuits and documented many of her husband’s and children’s films.
Eleanor’s legacy lives on through her family and her contributions to the film industry, including her memoirs and directorial debut in “Paris Can Wait.”
She passed away just as Francis is preparing to premiere his long-planned epic, “Metropolis,” at the Cannes Film Festival.
Eleanor is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and brother. She recently completed her third memoir, reflecting on her extraordinary life.
Rest in peace, Eleanor Coppola.
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