Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was an iconic American journalist and film critic from Urbana, Illinois. Born on June 18, 1942, he was known for his exceptional work at the Chicago Sun-Times where he spent almost forty years writing reviews for movies. Ebert is widely regarded as one of the most influential film critics of all time, and his insights have helped shape the movie industry.

Throughout his career, Ebert authored more than fifteen books, won a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, and became the first film critic to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His most popular work, however, came as the co-host of "Siskel & Ebert," a television show where he teamed up with fellow film critic Gene Siskel. Together, they created an accessible yet witty style of film criticism that captured the hearts of viewers all over the world.

Growing up, Ebert was fascinated with science fiction and spent a lot of time watching movies. He studied journalism at the University of Illinois and later earned a degree in film studies from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Ebert began his writing career as a sports writer for the News-Gazette in Champaign-Urbana before eventually transitioning to film criticism.

Ebert was known for his down-to-earth style of writing and his ability to make complicated movie concepts easy to understand. He was also an avid fan of independent movies and used his platform to help launch the careers of young filmmakers.

Despite his many accomplishments, Ebert was not immune to the challenges of life. He underwent surgery for thyroid cancer in 2002, which eventually led to the loss of his jaw and ability to speak. However, this did not stop him from continuing his work, and he even began writing reviews for his website where he communicated solely through text.

Ebert married Chaz Hammelsmith in 1992, with whom he had no children. His dedication to his wife was unwavering, and even during his illness, he remained a loving and devoted partner.

Throughout his career, Ebert had many friends and colleagues in the movie industry. He was known for his close friendship with Gene Siskel, and after Siskel passed away, he continued his show "At the Movies" with a rotating cast of co-hosts. Ebert was also known for his occasional disagreements with other critics, including Pauline Kael, but he maintained a deep respect for all his colleagues.

In conclusion, Roger Ebert was a legendary journalist who revolutionized film criticism. His life was marked by his exceptional talents and his unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite facing health challenges later in life, Ebert remained a beloved figure to movie fans all over the world.