Legendary Film Critic Roger Ebert Passes

Chicago legend, icon and beloved film critic Roger Ebert passed away yesterday (Thursday, April 4, 2013). One half of the classic “two thumbs up” duo “Siskel & Ebert,” Ebert had just announced on Tuesday that he would be slowing down on his review movies after revealing cancer has returned to his body, he had previously lost much of his jaw and voice from a battle with thyroid and salivary gland cancer.

“My intent is to continue to write selected reviews but to leave the rest to a talented team of writers handpicked and greatly admired by me,” Ebert wrote on his blog Tuesday. “What’s more, I’ll be able at last to do what I’ve always fantasized about doing; reviewing only the movies I want to review.” This is truly sad, and on a personal note, Ebert was the only film critic whose reviews I actually read. It’s a sad time for Chicago, the film world and most importantly Ebert’s lovely wife and family.

Photo by Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS