Roger Ebert Dead at Age 70

Very sad news to report to you all, one of the most popular film critics of our time passed away yesterday. This comes just two days after he reveled that cancer made a sudden return to his body. Ebert became a household name when he co-hosted the popular review show, ‘Siskel and Ebert At The Movies’ with the late Gene Siskel who died from a brain tumor back in 1999.

“We were getting ready to go home today for hospice care, when he looked at us, smiled, and passed away. No struggle, no pain, just quiet, dignified transition.” his wife Chad Ebert said in a statement released yesterday.

Ebert leaves behind such a magnificent career. He was the first movie critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for criticism. His reviews touched and resonated with so many people because of his relatable, readable and enlightening writing style. He wasn’t some film review snob that thought he was “too good” for movies that didn’t involve subtitles, or award winning directors.

The Chicago Sun Times announced the following statement on the death of Roger Ebert,

“We are saddened to share the news that our longtime colleague Roger Ebert has died. He was 70. Roger has been writing for the Chicago Sun Times for 46 years. The long relationship between Roger and his Sun-Times family speaks volumes about Roger’s commitment to his craft and to his fans around the world. Roger’s reviews were highly anticipated by readers and the film community. Film commentary was only one of several gifts. He was a reporter first, in every aspect of his craft. He could write as eloquently about world affairs as he could on the upcoming blockbuster. Roger will be missed not only by the Sun-Times family, but by the journalism and film communities. Our thoughts are with Roger’s wife, Chaz, and their family during this time.”

And while we all mourn the death of a legend, perhaps we can find comfort in knowing that he was able to write a proper goodbye to his readers. “I’ll see you at the movies” were the last words that Ebert wrote to his readers on his blog on Tuesday. The blog was titled, “Leave of Presence” and in the blog he explained that he would be slowing down on the number of movie reviews he wrote. Ebert wrote an incredible 306 movie reviews last year, “I must slow down now, which is why I’m taking what I like to call ‘a leave of presence.’” he wrote.

We will see you at the movies, Ebert, and we’ll make sure we bring our two thumbs with us.