# Roger Ebert

> American film critic and author (1942–2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q212173](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q212173)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Ebert)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roger-ebert

## Summary
Roger Ebert was an American film critic and author (1942–2013), best known for his influential film reviews and contributions to cinema criticism. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and a prominent voice in American film culture, shaping public discourse on cinema through his work.

## Biography
- Born: June 18, 1942, in Urbana, Illinois
- Nationality: American
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1964), Master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago (1966)
- Known for: Pioneering film criticism and shaping public opinion on cinema
- Employer(s): Chicago Sun-Times (1967–2013), University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign
- Field(s): Film criticism, journalism, screenwriting

## Contributions
- **Film Criticism**: Wrote over 1,000 film reviews for the *Chicago Sun-Times*, establishing himself as a leading voice in American cinema criticism.
- **Pulitzer Prize**: Won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975 for his work in film criticism.
- **Books**: Authored *Life Itself* (2002), a memoir of his life and career, and *The Great Movies* (2006), a collection of his essays.
- **Television**: Hosted *Siskel & Ebert & the Movies* (1975–1999) with Gene Siskel, a weekly film review show that became a cultural institution.
- **Screenwriting**: Wrote scripts for films and TV shows, including *The Great Movies* (1993) and *The Big Picture* (1989).
- **Awards**: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2000) and the Order of Lincoln from the State of Illinois (2007).

## FAQs
**What was Roger Ebert’s most famous work?**
Ebert was best known for his film reviews in the *Chicago Sun-Times* and his co-hosting of *Siskel & Ebert & the Movies*, which aired from 1975 to 1999. His reviews and commentary shaped public opinion on cinema for decades.

**Where did Roger Ebert go to school?**
Ebert earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1964 and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago in 1966.

**What awards did Roger Ebert receive?**
Ebert won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. He also received the Order of Lincoln from the State of Illinois in 2007.

**What was Roger Ebert’s relationship with Gene Siskel?**
Ebert and Gene Siskel co-hosted *Siskel & Ebert & the Movies* from 1975 to 1999, a weekly film review show that became a cultural phenomenon. Their dynamic—often clashing but always passionate—made the program iconic.

**What books did Roger Ebert write?**
Ebert authored *Life Itself* (2002), a memoir of his life and career, and *The Great Movies* (2006), a collection of his essays on cinema.

## Why They Matter
Roger Ebert’s work revolutionized film criticism in the United States, making it accessible and influential to a broad audience. His reviews and commentary helped shape public taste and discourse on cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers and critics. His partnership with Gene Siskel on *Siskel & Ebert & the Movies* turned film criticism into a mainstream cultural event, blending humor, passion, and deep analysis. Ebert’s legacy endures through his written work, which remains a cornerstone of cinema literature, and his impact on how films are discussed and appreciated today.

## Notable For
- **Pulitzer Prize Winner**: First film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism (1975).
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.
- **Order of Lincoln**: Honored by the State of Illinois with the Order of Lincoln in 2007.
- **Cultural Icon**: Co-host of *Siskel & Ebert & the Movies*, one of the most-watched film review shows in history.
- **Memoirist**: Authored *Life Itself* (2002), a critically acclaimed memoir of his life and career.
- **Essayist**: Published *The Great Movies* (2006), a collection of his essays on cinema.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Roger Ebert was born on June 18, 1942, in Urbana, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1964. He later pursued a Master’s degree in English at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1966. His academic background in literature and writing laid the foundation for his career in film criticism.

### Career Beginnings
Ebert began his career as a film critic in 1967, writing for the *Chicago Sun-Times*. His reviews quickly gained recognition for their depth and passion, distinguishing him from other critics of the time. His work was characterized by a blend of intellectual rigor and personal enthusiasm, making his reviews both informative and engaging.

### Pulitzer Prize and Recognition
In 1975, Ebert won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, becoming the first film critic to receive the award. This accolade cemented his status as a leading voice in American cinema. His Pulitzer-winning review was of the film *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*, which he praised for its innovative storytelling and emotional impact.

### Siskel & Ebert & the Movies
Ebert’s partnership with Gene Siskel on *Siskel & Ebert & the Movies* (1975–1999) transformed film criticism into a mainstream cultural event. The show, which aired on Chicago’s WGN-TV, became one of the most-watched film review programs in history. Ebert and Siskel’s dynamic—often clashing but always passionate—made the show a unique and beloved institution in American television.

### Books and Writing
Ebert authored several books, including *Life Itself* (2002), a memoir that reflected on his life and career. The book was praised for its honesty and insight into the world of film criticism. He also published *The Great Movies* (2006), a collection of his essays on cinema, which showcased his deep knowledge and appreciation for the art form.

### Awards and Honors
Ebert received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. He was also honored with the Order of Lincoln by the State of Illinois in 2007, recognizing his contributions to the arts and culture of Illinois.

### Legacy
Roger Ebert’s legacy endures through his influential work in film criticism, his iconic partnership with Gene Siskel, and his written contributions to cinema literature. His reviews and commentary continue to be studied and referenced by filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts alike. Ebert’s impact on the way films are discussed and appreciated remains a defining influence on American cinema.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Find a Grave
3. BnF authorities
4. Muck Rack
5. [Source](https://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/how-i-am-a-roman-catholic)
6. [Source](https://www.chipublib.org/chicago-public-library-foundation-awards/)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. SNAC
10. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
11. filmportal.de
12. [Roger Ebert dead at 70 after battle with cancer|Chicago Sun-Times](http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/17320958-418/roger-ebert-dies-at-70-after-battle-with-cancer.html)
13. Ebert, Roger (18 June 1942–04 April 2013)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Everybody's a critic. University of Chicago Magazine. 2004](https://magazine.uchicago.edu/0402/features/index-ebert.shtml)
16. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
17. Quora
18. LIBRIS. 2013
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. The Movie Database