Yesterday, Roger Ebert, one of the most well-known and well-respected film critics of all time — and the first to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1975 — joined his friend, Gene Siskel, who passed away in 1999. Both my husband and I teared up at the news. While reading Ebert’s autobiography, Life Itself:  A Memoir, last year, I read and cried and laughed and sighed through the reflections and experiences he chose to share with us. And sharing is what Ebert did best. In addition to loving movies. 😉

I even quoted Ebert in my About page when I started this modest blog.

I am beneath everything else a fan.

For his obituary at the Chicago Sun-Times, click here. And here is a moving, inspirational statement from his wife and longtime love, Chaz. And last but not least, here is Ebert’s final blog post, written a day before his passing, on his 46th anniversary as a film critic.

And Ebert’s final written words?

So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I’ll see you at the movies.

Two thumbs up for a life well-lived and well-loved. You have inspired an entire, ongoing generation of fans, Ebert. Rest in peace.

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Sources used:

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• Ebert, Chaz. “A Statement from Chaz Ebert.” Chaz’s Journal, Roger Ebert.com, 4 April 2013.
• Ebert, Roger. “A Leave of Presence.” Roger Ebert’s Journal, Roger Ebert.com, 2 April 2013.
• “In Memoriam: Roger Ebert 1942-2013.” Roger Ebert.com, 4 April 2013.