Eleanor Coppola, a renowned director, artist, and writer, passed away on Friday at the age of 87, as announced by her family. Known for her Emmy award-winning documentary Hearts of Darkness, which chronicled the turbulent production of her husband Francis Ford Coppola’s film Apocalypse Now, she also directed romantic comedies Paris Can Wait and Love Is Love Is Love.
In addition to her work in film, Coppola was an accomplished visual artist, with her photography, drawings, and conceptual pieces being exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. Her retrospective at the Sonoma Valley art museum in 2014 showcased her diverse body of work.
Coppola’s significant contribution to the filmmaking industry extended beyond her own artistic endeavors. She played a pivotal role in raising three children who all followed in their parents’ footsteps and became successful figures in the movie business. Her husband, Francis Ford Coppola, is best known for directing the iconic film The Godfather, which is widely regarded as a classic of the American gangster genre.
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Eleanor Coppola moved to Los Angeles to pursue her studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. It was there that she met Francis while working as an assistant art director on his debut horror film Dementia 13, produced by Roger Corman. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to marriage in February 1963.
Together, they welcomed three children into the world. Gian-Carlo, their first-born, grew up to be a regular presence in his father’s films before tragically passing away at the age of 22 in a boating accident. Roman, their second child, followed his parents’ footsteps and became a director, often collaborating with filmmaker Wes Anderson. Their daughter, Sofia Coppola, garnered critical acclaim as a writer-director for films like Lost in Translation and the upcoming release Priscilla.
As a family deeply rooted in the film industry, the Coppolas have set an example of supporting and encouraging each other’s creative pursuits. Eleanor Coppola expressed her pride in her family’s dedication to the family business, stating, “The nut does not fall far from the tree.”