Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was a highly influential American film critic and journalist, best known for his work with the Chicago Sun-Times. He was the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975. Ebert, along with his television partner Gene Siskel, created the popular "At the Movies" franchise, which significantly impacted film criticism and public discourse around movies. Their "thumbs up, thumbs down" rating system became a cultural touchstone. Beyond his television appearances, Ebert was a prolific author, writing numerous books on film and other subjects. He was also a prominent blogger and maintained a significant online presence, engaging directly with audiences. Despite battling various health issues later in his life, including thyroid cancer which affected his ability to speak, Ebert continued to write and advocate for film appreciation until his death in 2013. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work and his lasting impact on film criticism.