Ellen Burstyn stars as Chris MacNeil, Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, and Max von Sydow as Father Lankester Merrin in the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist.
Main cast
- Chris MacNeilEllen BurstynMain
- Regan MacNeilLinda BlairMain
- Father Damien KarrasJason MillerMain
- Father Lankester MerrinMax von SydowMain
- Lieutenant William KindermanLee J. CobbMain
Supporting cast
- Sharon SpencerKitty WinnSupp
- Dr. Samuel KleinBarton HeymanSupp
- Father Joseph DyerWilliam O’MalleySupp
- Dr. TanneyRobert SymondsSupp
- KarlReverend Thomas BerminghamSupp
Guest & voice
- Demon (voice)Mercedes McCambridgeVoice
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About this cast
The Exorcist (1973), directed by William Friedkin, is a landmark horror film about the demonic possession of a young girl and the priests who attempt an exorcism. The main cast includes Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, and Max von Sydow, supported by Jason Miller as Father Damien Karras and Lee J. Cobb as Lieutenant Kinderman.
FAQs
Who plays Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist?
Linda Blair plays Regan MacNeil, the possessed twelve-year-old girl.
Who plays Father Merrin in The Exorcist?
Max von Sydow plays Father Lankester Merrin, the seasoned exorcist.
Who plays Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist?
Ellen Burstyn plays Chris MacNeil, Regan’s mother.
Is The Exorcist based on a true story?
It is loosely based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, which was inspired by the 1949 exorcism case of Roland Doe.
Who directed The Exorcist?
The film was directed by William Friedkin.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026