Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert (June 13, 1942 – April 4, 2013) was an American film critic, journalist, and author who became one of the most influential voices in film criticism and popular culture. Born in Urbana, Illinois, Ebert joined the Chicago Sun-Times in 1966 and became the paper's film critic, a position he held for decades. He became the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975, recognizing his intellectual approach to cinema and ability to communicate with mass audiences. Ebert achieved international fame through his television partnership with fellow critic Gene Siskel, creating the iconic show 'Siskel & Ebert,' where the two critics reviewed films and debated their merits. Their 'thumbs up, thumbs down' rating system became widely recognized and influenced how audiences evaluated films. Beyond criticism, Ebert wrote extensively about film, popular culture, and social issues, publishing numerous books and articles. He became known for his accessibility, writing in clear prose that educated readers while entertaining them. Despite losing his voice to thyroid cancer in 2002, Ebert continued his work through writing and digital platforms, adapting to technological change. His legacy extends beyond film criticism to include his impact on how popular culture is discussed and evaluated in mainstream discourse, making criticism itself an art form.