Movie critic Roger Ebert dies | April 4, 2013 | HISTORY (2024)

This Day In History: April 4

April | 4

On April 4, 2013, one of America’s best-known and most influential movie critics, Roger Ebert, who reviewed movies for the Chicago Sun-Times for 46 years and on TV for 31 years, dies at age 70 after battling cancer. In 1975, Ebert started co-hosting a movie review program on TV with fellow critic Gene Siskel that eventually turned them both into household names and made their thumbs-up, thumbs-down rating system part of American pop culture.

Born on June 18, 1942, in Urbana, Illinois, Ebert was the only child of an electrician father and bookkeeper mother. At age 15, Ebert he began writing about high school sports for his local newspaper. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he majored in journalism and served as editor of the school’s newspaper. Two years later, he went to work for the Chicago Sun-Times. When the paper’s film critic retired in 1967, Ebert was named as her replacement.

Ebert reportedly watched 500 movies a year and penned reviews of at least half that many on an annual basis. (In 2012, when asked to name the 10 greatest films of all time, his list included such titles as Apocalypse Now, Citizen Kane, Raging Bull and Vertigo.) His work was syndicated in hundreds of newspapers around the world, and he was the author of more than 15 books, including the acclaimed 2011 memoir Life Itself. Ebert had a brief foray into movie making when he wrote the script for 1970’s Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Upon its release, the film was trashed by critics, including Siskel.

Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002 and salivary gland cancer the following year, Ebert lost the ability to speak, drink and eat in 2006 following surgery for jaw cancer. However, he continued to work, writing for the Sun-Times, blogging for his own website and developing a large following on Facebook and Twitter. On April 2, 2013, Ebert publicly announced he would be writing fewer reviews due to a recurrence of cancer. He died two days later. The Sun-Times published his final movie review on April 6, for To the Wonder. Ebert awarded it 3.5 out of 4 stars.

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Movie critic Roger Ebert dies | April 4, 2013 | HISTORY (9)

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Movie critic Roger Ebert dies | April 4, 2013 | HISTORY (2024)

FAQs

What were Roger Ebert's final words? ›

Sometime ago, I heard that Roger Ebert's wife, Chaz, talked about Roger's last words. He died of cancer in 2013. “Life is but a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

What was the last movie Roger Ebert saw? ›

Roger Ebert continued to review movies until the end of his life, despite the challenges of his cancer, which inspired others facing the same disease. Terrence Malick's To the Wonder was Ebert's last review and showcased the director's iconic style and departure from his previous period pieces.

What movie critic died in 2013? ›

On April 4, 2013, one of America's best-known and most influential movie critics, Roger Ebert, who reviewed movies for the Chicago Sun-Times for 46 years and on TV for 31 years, dies at age 70 after battling cancer.

Which of Siskel and Ebert died? ›

Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, who went on the air together for the first time in 1975, have been off the air for a long time now. Siskel died in 1999, and Ebert bowed out in 2011, two years before his death. But, for many people, they remain the very exemplars of film criticism.

What movie did Roger Ebert write? ›

Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Early in his career, Ebert co-wrote the Russ Meyer movie Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970).

Is there a famous last words movie? ›

Famous Last Words is a documentary that examines what happens when a person talks with a loved one for the very last time. While this is a movie that focuses on "loss," it has a very uplifting and inspirational message about living each day to the fullest. This includes the 90 minute feature film only.

What's the most stars Roger Ebert gives? ›

The late great Roger Ebert acknowledged this in his review of the film, awarding it his famous and highest rating of four stars, making it the last film to receive such an honor from arguably the most influential film critic of the past fifty years.

Did Roger Ebert have any children? ›

Personal life. Ebert was married to Chaz Hammelsmith from July 18, 1992 until his death in 2013. They had no children.

Were Siskel and Ebert friends? ›

After Siskel's death, Ebert reminisced about their close relationship saying: Gene Siskel and I were like tuning forks, Strike one, and the other would pick up the same frequency. When we were in a group together, we were always intensely aware of one another.

What is the saddest death in any movie? ›

The 20 most heartbreaking movie deaths
  • 1 of 20. Bing Bong, 'Inside Out' ...
  • 2 of 20. Ben Randall, 'The Guardian' ...
  • 3 of 20. Klaus, 'Klaus' ...
  • 4 of 20. Howard Ratner, 'Uncut Gems' ...
  • 5 of 20. Ellie, 'Up' ...
  • 6 of 20. Gertrude, 'Jersey Girl' ...
  • 7 of 20. Jack Dawson, 'Titanic' ...
  • 8 of 20. The girl in red, 'Schindler's List'
May 23, 2024

What actor died in 2013? ›

In 2013 we've said goodbye to some of Hollywood's most legendary entertainers and biggest personalities. Among the stars we've lost are Roger Ebert, Cory Monteith, James Gandolfini, and Gia Allemand.

Who died in December 2013? ›

1
  • Alfonso Armada, 93, Spanish general, co-leader of 1981 failed coup d'état.
  • Heinrich Boere, 92, Dutch-German convicted war criminal, member of the Waffen-SS.
  • Maria Mambo Café, 68, Angolan politician, Minister of Social Affairs (1982–1986), Governor of Cabinda (1990).
  • Maurice co*ckrill, 78, British artist.

How old was Roger Ebert when he died? ›

After battling cancer for more than a decade, Roger Ebert died on April 4, 2013, at the age of 70, in Chicago, Illinois. Ebert's Pultizer Prize-winning reviews and enduring presence in the entertainment industry, despite his illness, made him one of the most popular and influential movie critics of his time.

Who did Roger Ebert marry? ›

Chaz Ebert (born Charlie Hammel; October 15, 1952) is an American businesswoman. She is best known as the wife and widow of film critic Roger Ebert, having been married to him from 1992 until his death in 2013.

How long were Siskel and Ebert together? ›

Matt Singer on the Bygone Era Before Movie Clips. Today, everyone—myself included—just calls it Siskel & Ebert. That's become the default name everyone uses when talking about the influential movie review show that aired on public television and in syndication from 1975 to 1999.

Did Siskel and Ebert get along? ›

The pair were also known for their intense debate, often drawing sharp criticisms at each other. After Siskel's death, Ebert reminisced about their close relationship saying: Gene Siskel and I were like tuning forks, Strike one, and the other would pick up the same frequency.

Why does Jones use the word savoring to describe Ebert's quiet pause after the film ends? ›

5. Why does Jones use the word "savoring" to describe Ebert's quiet pause after the film ends? It seems as if Ebert is overcome with happiness after witnessing such a good picture.

Was Roger Ebert an optimist? ›

Roger Ebert: 'I'm an optimistic person'

How many movies did Roger Ebert see? ›

Roger Ebert started writing reviews in 1967. As a professional, he watched over 500 movies and he reviewed about 300 movies each year. Over his 40 year career, he published about 10,000 movie reviews. Roger Ebert, according to IMDb, saw over 10,000 movies.

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