Roger Ebert: From Film Critic to Pop Culture Icon

By Amber James Posted Feb 17th 2010 12:45PM

In a new interview with Esquire magazine, famed movie critic Roger Ebert discusses what his life is like now, since surgeries stripped him of his lower jaw and the ability to speak and eat. The touching interview recounts Ebert's days, which are regimented as his wife Chaz takes care of him, but one thing is for sure: Ebert does not want to be pitied. He is striving to keep publishing his legendary movie reviews and keep the film industry on its toes.

PopEater takes a quick look at the critic's rise to a pop culture icon and how he's continuing to influence the world with his words. >>

Ebert is a cinematic icon whose film reviews and reputation have become legendary. Ebert has held the film industry to a high standard, and it's difficult to imagine modern movies without considering his opinion. There's no question, he has the ability to make or break a blockbuster. As part of the once dynamic duo of Siskel and Ebert, he still holds his own today (despite the loss of Gene Siskel, who died 11 years ago from brain cancer.)

While not everyone has to agree with his reviews (four stars for 'Me and Orson Welles'?), his cinematic critiques keep us talking. Examining each film, Ebert is a recognizable name who's reputation precedes him.

Even A.O. Scott, a NY Times movie critic and co-host of 'At The Movies,' admits Ebert embodies our image of what a movie critic should be. "Anyone who is even slightly interested in movies comes across Roger... What makes him stand out is his ability to turn his technical knowledge of film and make it accessible and clear to the public," Scott tells PopEater. "He is one of the best daily newspaper critics, and it's because he can convey his thoughts and judgments about movies effortlessly with knowledge to back it up."

Ebert's reviews have been syndicated to more than 200 newspapers worldwide. Ebert began his career as a critic in 1967, writing for the Chicago Sun-Times. By 1975, Ebert and Siskel (who worked at the Chicago Tribune) began co-hosting a weekly film review television show, 'Sneak Previews,' which was locally produced in Chicago. The show was picked up by PBS in 1978 for national distribution and was eventually syndicated into what most people know the critic for: 'At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.' (See more famous footage at URLesque.)

Ebert's reviews have gained him worldwide recognition, and in 1975, he became the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. The movie reviewer was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- making him the first professional film critic to receive the honor.

The critic was diagnosed with a cancerous thyroid in 2002, but recovered quickly from the surgery. However, the cancer came out of remission in 2003 -- this time in his salivary gland. In December of that year, he underwent a four-week follow-up course of radiation, which altered his voice slightly. Ebert underwent further surgery on June 16, 2006, to remove cancer near his right jaw, which included removing a section of jaw bone. On July 1, Ebert was hospitalized again after his carotid artery burst. As he recovered from several rigorous and invasive surgeries, Ebert had a tracheotomy done on his neck to reduce the effort of breathing while he recovered. At this point, he's lost the ability to talk. Now he eats through a tube and speaks through a computer program or writes notes to communicate.

Despite losing his voice and part of his jaw to cancer four years ago, Ebert refuses to be silenced. He continues to write both his online blog and regular reviews column. Proving the true power of the pen, Ebert won't let a setback keep him from giving the public the reviews they look for each week. "It is saving me," he told Esquire.

Scott admits Ebert's reviews have changed, reaching a "freer, richer and more personal" level that still manages to connect with audiences. Ebert even tweets to his 68,000+ followers on Twitter to talk about everything from the Olympics to iPhone apps and, of course, his movie reviews.

While some people may have disappeared from the public eye after such a setback, Ebert is refusing to let the public feel sorry for him. "I am still cancer-free, and not ready to think about more surgery at this time. I should be content with the abundance I have," he wrote on his Web site on April 1, 2008.

Tags: Roger Ebert

Comments

(89)

Friday 19 February

By maryfru197

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Although I didn't always agree with his reviews, I was always impressed by his intelligence and I loved watching the banter between he and Siskel when they didn't agree. I'm happy to hear he is still living his life, even with everything he has been through. Rock on Mr. Ebert!

By Kelsey

very inspirational.

who's is the wrong use of the word. by the way.

By John Moser

Stories like this make me wish we had government health care(well it makes me wish Ebert had government health care).

Saturday 20 February

By Stacey Federer

Are you serious? Why do you think a millionaire like Ebert would benefit from government healthcare. He would have FEWER options and less choice. Maybe if the people supporting socialized med could break the 3 digit IQ bracket, I'd give them more credence.

By tait

I know it sounds wrong, but isn't it slightly ironic that most well known critic alive today loses his ability to speak and therefor verbally be a critic

Wednesday 24 February

By JIBG

Sending good thoughts and prayers.

By Jon

Ebert is my regular go to for honest movie reviews.

i can't believe cancer has destroyed him - even though he is up there in age and will die eventually. I'm not sure how we'll get along without his wisdom.

By Dean

People that hate are usaully hated.

Sunday 21 February

By TheaterFan

... and the author of this article has a problem with four stars for "Me And Orson Welles"? It could have been five stars, had it not been for that horrible and grammatically incorrect title.

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