What two actors from the movie "The Exorcist" died before the movie's release, causing some to insist that the movie was cursed?

Jack MacGowran, who played the part of director 'Burke Dennings', died on January 31, 1973, from complications brought on by influenza. Vasiliki Maliaros passed away at age 89 (natural causes) less than two weeks later, on February 9. Discovered by "Exorcist" director William Friedkin at a New York City Greek restaurant, she was chosen to play the part of Father Karras' (Jason Miller) mother.