Eleanor Coppola, who was the wife of ‘The Godfather’ director Francis Ford Coppola, has reportedly sadly passed away at the age of 87. Eleanor Coppola lived an unbelievable life, and was married to her husband for 61 years.
She began her career in film producing with Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now,” which is widely regarded as a classic film. She reportedly died in her California home surrounded by her loved ones. An end to a life that I believe most could only hope for.
Born in Huntington Beach in 1936, Eleanor Coppola graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with a degree in applied design. She reportedly met her husband on the set of “Dementia 13.”
In 1995, Eleanor released a book called “Notes on the Making of Apocalypse Now,” and would release a second published work in 2008 with the release of “Notes on a Life,” in 2008.
Coppola directed a documentary in 1991 called “Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse,” which included behind the scenes footage from the production of “Apocalypse Now.”
The documentary went on to receive eight Oscar nominations, and won an Emmy award. The film was also nominated for a DGA award. In 2017, she told Deadline,
“The beginning of the film idea for me was certainly documenting ‘Apocalypse Now. I had no idea. I’d made some little art films in the early ’70s, but when I got this camera in the Philippines I was just mesmerized, looking through the viewfinder. I really responded to that, so I made different documentaries, because I always loved to shoot.”
Eleanor Coppola
After working in film for many years, Francis Ford Coppola and his family started a winery, which was not established under The Francis Ford Coppola Winery until 2010. The pair has three children together.
Two of the Coppola’s children currently work in film. Sofia is a director, and Roman Coppola is a writer and producer.
A cause of death was not immediately released for the legend. We pray for her family during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Eleanor Coppola!
