Roger Ebert's Triumphant Return to Television

By Rebecca Macatee Posted Jan 21st 2011 06:14PM

Famed movie critic Roger Ebert might have lost the ability to speak, but he certainly hasn't lost his voice.

The iconic face of film criticism made his triumphant return to television Friday night in his PBS show 'Ebert Presents at the Movies.' With the help of a facial prosthesis and a computer-generated voice, the TV veteran was as exuberant and opinionated as ever.

He described the prosthesis as "a pleasant reminder of the person I was for 64 years" and said his doctors did a "pretty wonderful damn job" creating it.

Beside him were co-hosts Christy Lemire of The Associated Press and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky of Mubi.com. The show was taped where Ebert and the late Gine Siskel filmed their original reviews 35 years ago.

Ebert lost part of his lower jaw to thyroid cancer in 2006, taking away his ability to speak or eat. The lifesaving procedure definitely introduced new obstacles into the 68-year-old's life, but he never wanted want to be pitied.

He returned to work in May 2007, publishing his weekly reviews in the Chicago Sun Times and actively writing for his website. In 2010, he published a cookbook, despite the fact he can no longer enjoy eating, which is one of his favorite past times.

Ebert's first review Friday night was a glowingly positive one of the animated film 'My Dog Tulip.' The movie is about the relationship between a man and his dog, and Ebert cleverly closed out the segment reminding us that, "Sometimes life is a b*tch."

Ebert's been married to Chaz Hammel-Smith, an attorney, for the past 18 years. The two reside in Chicago. Ebert's dry wit and candid reviews have garnered the critic over 300,000 followers on Twitter.

Only weeks ago, Ebert was up in arms over the censorship of 'Huck Finn,' which was met by significant criticism from opposing viewpoints.

Wish the Amazing Roger Ebert Well on Facebook

Tags: Roger Ebert

Comments

(18)

Friday 21 January

By IKnowItAll

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

You rock, Mr. Ebert. Brilliant, brave, and step-by-step reclaiming the life that once was yours.
The respect and adoration of the public has never been diminished, but as a human, you are entitled to your regain personal dignity and identity.
I wish you only well!

By zmrc7

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Only weeks ago, Ebert was up in arms over the censorship of 'Huck Finn,' which was met by significant criticism from opposing viewpoints.I love reading this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

By vesey

I'm happy for him but would'nt he look better if he was alive ???

Saturday 22 January

By BTDT

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

"Ebert was up in arms over the censorship of 'Huck Finn,'"

I think this is the only thing I've agreed on with Ebert over the years, but I'm really glad he's doing well.

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By wlh1923

"Triumphant return"? Ummmmmmm, okaaaay, yeah well, sure whatever you say

By OfAlaska

Yes, triumphant. Besides that he's the one critic who seems to give my exact opinion of a film when I've seen it and then look for his take on it. The man is still truckin'!

By mary

Congrats Roger! you look pretty good, just like your old self!

By Doris

You're an inspiration!

By silver98bird

I feel so sorry for him... poor man... but at least he is still going! I probably would have shot myself if I were in his shoes

By carole

There is no limit to some people's bravery. He's been through so much and still wants to get on with living. Very inspirational!

By doneldathomas

DITTO!!!!!!

By Jackie

So many are so happy for him!!! Including ME!

By Gravit5

One of the joys was watching he and Gene Siskel arguing about the movie they were reviewing. They are missed as tv's most influential critics. Although i did disagree with them often they were the best yet offered. Keep going Mr Ebert... gods speed.

By Anon

You rock Roger! Thank you for being brave enough in your own skin to keep on going despite everything you've been through! If it would have be another kind of celebrity, we'd probably would have been hearing about their suicide!

You've been through a lot and now it's time for you to shine again!

Thank you for all your movie reviews!

By nk

Rodger...
I've always been a great fan of yours, I'm so happy that you got that implant, you look like yourself again, you are one very brave man....I applaud you....not many could deal with what you have gone through...you do really *rock*..
All my best to you!

Sunday 23 January

By Reggie Wagstaff

Roger, we all love you and beg you to use all your influence and powers to make sure that Adam Sandler never makes another movie. That's all we ask. Good to have you back.

By Laurie

Iconic FAce? Really, take a good look. he could not review a movie corecttly if is mirror depended on it.

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