Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert

Deceased · Born: Jun 18, 1942 · Died: Apr 4, 2013

2014

Personal Details

Official Socials
BornJun 18, 1942 Urbana, Illinois, USA
Parents
  • Annabel Ebert (Stumm)
  • Walter Harry Ebert

Biography

Roger Ebert was a celebrated film critic, journalist, and screenwriter whose profound impact on the world of cinema is still deeply felt today. With an unparalleled level of expertise and a razor-sharp wit that left audiences in awe, he earned himself the esteemed Pulitzer Prize, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the art of film criticism.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ebert's incisive reviews and insightful critiques captivated readers and viewers alike, solidifying his status as a leading authority on the world of cinema. His remarkable ability to distill complex ideas and emotions into concise, yet powerful, language made him a beloved and respected figure in the film community.

In addition to his numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Ebert's legacy extends far beyond his impressive body of work. He inspired generations of film enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema that will continue to be felt for years to come.

As a champion of independent cinema and a fierce advocate for the arts, Ebert's influence can be seen in the countless filmmakers, writers, and artists who have been inspired by his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft. His remarkable life and work serve as a testament to the transformative power of cinema, reminding us that even the most seemingly ordinary moments can have a profound impact on our lives and the world around us.

From a humble beginning in 1967, Roger Ebert's remarkable journey as a film critic commenced, as he joined the esteemed Chicago Sun-Times, marking the inception of a career that would leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

For over two decades, Ebert's creative synergy with Gene Siskel transformed the landscape of film criticism, as they collectively pioneered a revolutionary approach to reviewing, which would eventually become an integral part of popular culture.

The sudden and unfortunate passing of Siskel in 1999 led to a significant adjustment for Ebert, who subsequently partnered with Richard Roeper to host the popular film review program "At the Movies" until 2006. However, Ebert's career was again disrupted when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a diagnosis that would have a profound impact on his professional and personal life.

The cancer's aggressive progression necessitated immediate medical intervention, resulting in the removal of a substantial portion of his tongue and jaw. This life-altering surgery required extensive reconstructive procedures to restore his oral cavity, and ultimately, a computer program was developed to assist with his speech.

Throughout his illustrious career, Roger Ebert persisted in his unwavering commitment to film criticism, steadfastly maintaining his online presence and prolific writing output despite the numerous obstacles he faced.

As his health began to deteriorate, Ebert, in a poignant display of dedication to his craft, made the courageous decision to announce a temporary hiatus from his writing duties in April 2013.

This "leave of presence," as he aptly termed it, marked a significant shift in his approach, allowing him to scale back his workload and focus his energies on reviewing only those films that truly resonated with him, a testament to his unwavering passion for cinema.

**Person Biography:**

Roger Ebert was an American film critic, journalist, and screenwriter, best known for his work as a film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. He was born on June 18, 1942, in Urbana, Illinois, and began his career in journalism at the age of 15, working for his high school newspaper.

Ebert's writing career spanned over five decades, during which he became one of the most influential and respected film critics in the world. He was known for his insightful and engaging reviews, as well as his iconic thumbs-up or thumbs-down rating system, which became a hallmark of his criticism.

Throughout his life, Ebert received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books on film and criticism, including "I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie" and "Awake in the Dark: The Best of Roger Ebert."

The untimely passing of Ebert on April 4, 2013, served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, coming just one day after he had publicly announced his leave of presence. Despite the tragic circumstances of his departure, Ebert's enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, a testament to the profound impact he had on the world of film and beyond.

The balcony, that enchanting expanse of open air and unrestricted views, is, unfortunately, currently inaccessible due to unforeseen circumstances, rendering it temporarily unavailable for use by those who would otherwise revel in its splendor.

Career

{"id":44562,"title":"Sesame Street: A Celebration of Me, Grover","year":"2010","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sesame-street-a-celebration-of-me-grover","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_44562.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_44562.jpg"},"released":1}
2010
{"id":267168,"title":"Dead Teenager Movie","year":"2006","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/dead-teenager-movie","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_267168.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_267168.jpg"},"released":1}
2006
{"id":152938,"title":"Abby Singer","year":"2003","character":"Roger Ebert (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/abby-singer","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_152938.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_152938.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
Abby Singer
Abby Singer as Roger Ebert (uncredited)
{"id":55783,"title":"Welcome to Hollywood","year":"1998","character":"Roger Ebert","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/welcome-to-hollywood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_55783.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_55783.jpg"},"released":1}
1998
{"id":172931,"title":"Ballyhoo: The Hollywood Sideshow!","year":"1996","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ballyhoo-the-hollywood-sideshow","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_172931.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_172931.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
{"id":9614,"title":"Early Edition","year":1996,"character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/early-edition","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_9614.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_9614.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":159376,"title":"Doris Day: A Sentimental Journey","year":"1991","character":"Narrator (voice) \/ Introduction","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/doris-day-a-sentimental-journey","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_159376.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_159376.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
Doris Day: A Sentimental Journey
Doris Day: A Sentimental Journey as Narrator (voice) / Introduction
{"id":272855,"title":"Faye","year":"2024","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/faye-2024","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_272855.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_272855.jpg"},"released":1}
2024
{"id":195996,"title":"We Were Once Kids","year":"2023","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/we-were-once-kids","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_195996.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_195996.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":170703,"title":"Kubrick by Kubrick","year":"2020","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kubrick-by-kubrick","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_170703.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_170703.jpg"},"released":1}
2020
{"id":131135,"title":"Howard","year":"2018","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/howard","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_131135.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_131135.jpg"},"released":1}
2018
{"id":104602,"title":"Burden","year":"2016","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/burden","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_104602.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_104602.jpg"},"released":1}
2016
{"id":13666,"title":"Life Itself","year":"2014","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/life-itself","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/ok53v1ajfh00.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/ok53v1ajfh00.jpg"},"released":1}
2014
{"id":43679,"title":"Don't You Forget About Me","year":"2010","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/dont-you-forget-about-me-2009","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_43679.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_43679.jpg"},"released":1}
2010
{"id":17117,"title":"Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy","year":"2010","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/never-sleep-again-the-elm-street-legacy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5uhh8h4n8580.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5uhh8h4n8580.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":45079,"title":"For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism","year":"2009","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/for-the-love-of-movies-the-story-of-american-film-criticism","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_45079.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_45079.jpg"},"released":1}
2009
{"id":14410,"title":"Waking Sleeping Beauty","year":"2009","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/waking-sleeping-beauty","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/oh4qbf6fpp00.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/oh4qbf6fpp00.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":189696,"title":"The Man Who Shot Chinatown: The Life and Work of John A. Alonzo","year":"2007","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-man-who-shot-chinatown-the-life-and-work-of-john-a-alonzo","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_189696.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_189696.jpg"},"released":1}
2007
{"id":149773,"title":"Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001","year":"2007","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-kubrick-the-legacy-of-2001","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_149773.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_149773.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":266738,"title":"Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001","year":"2007","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/vision-of-a-future-passed-the-prophecy-of-2001","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_266738.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_266738.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":267144,"title":"Above, Beneath and Beyond the Valley: The Making of a Musical-Horror-Sex-Comedy","year":"2006","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/above-beneath-and-beyond-the-valley-the-making-of-a-musical-horror-sex-comedy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_267144.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_267144.jpg"},"released":1}
2006
{"id":50874,"title":"Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream","year":"2006","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/midnight-movies-from-the-margin-to-the-mainstream","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_50874.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_50874.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":14147,"title":"The Outsider","year":"2005","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-outsider-2005","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14147.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14147.jpg"},"released":1}
2005
{"id":51817,"title":"Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sam-peckinpahs-west-legacy-of-a-hollywood-renegade-2004","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_51817.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_51817.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
{"id":152262,"title":"Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and Dr. Strangelove","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/best-sellers-or-peter-sellers-and-dr-strangelove","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_152262.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_152262.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":262544,"title":"Chicago Filmmakers on the Chicago River","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/chicago-filmmakers-on-the-chicago-river","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_262544.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_262544.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":267970,"title":"No Fighting in the War Room or Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/no-fighting-in-the-war-room-or-dr-strangelove-and-the-nuclear-threat","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_267970.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_267970.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":50509,"title":"Jiminy Glick in Lalawood","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jiminy-glick-in-lalawood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_50509.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_50509.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":152860,"title":"Sex at 24 Frames Per Second","year":"2003","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sex-at-24-frames-per-second","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_152860.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_152860.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
{"id":53508,"title":"All the Love You Cannes!","year":"2002","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/all-the-love-you-cannes","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_53508.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_53508.jpg"},"released":1}
2002
{"id":184613,"title":"Mysteries of Love","year":"2002","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/mysteries-of-love","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_184613.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_184613.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":84844,"title":"Searching for Debra Winger","year":"2002","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/searching-for-debra-winger","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_84844.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_84844.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":85272,"title":"It Conquered Hollywood! The Story of American International Pictures","year":"2001","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/it-conquered-hollywood-the-story-of-american-international-pictures","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_85272.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_85272.jpg"},"released":1}
2001
{"id":154982,"title":"Great Performances","year":"2000","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/great-performances-2000-3","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_154982.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_154982.jpg"},"released":1}
2000
{"id":195487,"title":"Junket Whore","year":"1998","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/junket-whore","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_195487.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_195487.jpg"},"released":1}
1998
{"id":172849,"title":"Independent's Day","year":"1998","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/independents-day","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_172849.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_172849.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":56643,"title":"Pitch","year":"1997","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pitch","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_56643.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_56643.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
{"id":57788,"title":"You Can't Do That! The Making of 'A Hard Day's Night'","year":"1995","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/you-cant-do-that-the-making-of-a-hard-days-night-1996","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_57788.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_57788.jpg"},"released":1}
1995
{"id":61835,"title":"Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens","year":"1979","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/beneath-the-valley-of-the-ultra-vixens","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_61835.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_61835.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
{"id":86147,"title":"Beyond the Valley of the Dolls","year":"1970","job":"Story, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/beyond-the-valley-of-the-dolls","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/16s5lde3u8jo.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/16s5lde3u8jo.jpg"},"released":1}
1970