His critiques of films made him one of the most influential journalists of our time. Awarding films with a thumbs up or thumbs down set the stage for how successful a movie would be. For many years Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times would often go toe to toe over many of our modern classics with rival, the late Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune on their weekly television program. Ebert succumbed to cancer on Thursday. In a statement his wife, Chaz Ebert says that they, “were getting ready to go home today for hospice care, when he looked at us, smiled and passed away. No struggle, no pain, just a quiet, dignified transition.” Ebert was 70.
Forty-six years ago on April 3, 1967, I became the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. Some of you have read my reviews and columns and even written to me since that time. Others were introduced to my film criticism through the television show, my books, the website, the film festival, or the Ebert Club and newsletter. However you came to know me, I'm glad you did and thank you for being the best readers any film critic could ask for. --Roger Ebert
It was on Tuesday that Ebert wrote on his Sun-Times blog that he would be slowing down with work and begin with the “Leave of Presence”. He described his leave as “not going away,” but rater writing select reviews and delegating the rest to other writers that he admired and handpicked. Ebert detailed his plans to expand his websites and possible write about his own battle with cancer. It certainly sounded as if he planned to beat this reoccurrence of cancer; however it appears he made sure the work would continue if the worst case were to happen.
Many of Hollywood’s A-lister reacted to news of Ebert’s passing on Twitter. Director Ron Howard wrote,
RIP Roger Ebert. We've lost a passionate and broad minded force for cinema of all shapes sizes and genres. A fine courageous writer and man
Actor John Cusack tweeted,
A true gent as well
Actress Kirstie Alley wrote,
Farewell.. you did a bang up job..thank you
Seth MacFarlane tweeted,
Roger Ebert will be missed. One of the few critics who had actually written films. His opinion always mattered to me. He was the greatest.
Author Terry McMillan said,
I trusted his judgment when deciding what films to watch. He was usually right.
Fahrenheit 9/11 filmaker Michael Moore tweeted,
Roger Ebert. Millions of thumbs up for you. RIP
And finally actress Rosario Dawson tweeted,
Thank you for being such a great running commentator in my life.
Ebert’s last sentence on his blog post was, “I’ll see you at the movies.”
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