Film critic Roger Ebert, who lost the ability to speak after a series of cancer-related surgeries, is now able to “talk” again, using a computer voice simulator designed by a Scottish company called CereProc. Ebert worked with CereProc to transform past recordings of his voice — primarily DVD commentaries — into a program that will allow him to regain his “voice.” He plans to debut “Roger Jr.” on this Tuesday’s Oprah Winfrey Show, where he’ll give his Oscar predictions.

In his blog for the Chicago Sun-Times today, Ebert wrote, “They transcribed and programmed and tweaked and fiddled, and early this February, sent me the files for a beta version of my voice. I played it for [his wife] Chaz, and she said, yes, she could tell it was me. For one thing it knew exactly how I said ‘I.’”

Ebert was profiled in this month’s extraordinary Esquire cover story.

http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/02/28/roger-ebert-gets-computerized-voice/

God bless Roger and Chaz!! I wish them all the best!!

It's great that modern technology has given Roger his voice back! I can't wait to hear what he has to say!

What a tragic shame what happened to both Siskel & Ebert. Two true legendary film critics.

What a tragic shame what happened to both Siskel & Ebert. Two true legendary film critics.
Agreed, Wouldn't it be great if someone put their classic shows into a DVD box set? Like "The Very Best of Siskel & Ebert" or something? I would LOVE to see their vintage episodes.

My mom's jaw literally dropped to the floor when she saw an ET commercial for Roger's upcoming appearance on Oprah. She couldn't believe that's actually Roger Ebert. But God bless him - he is still communicating with us via his blogs and column, and I think has still attended some film festivals. He has made no effort to hide himself or his condition - and I heartily commend him for that. I will make it official with:

TWO THUMBS UP!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Here's What Roger Ebert's New "Voice" Sounds Like
Posted Mar 2nd 2010
by Bob Sassone


Roger Ebert appeared on Oprah today (with his wife Chaz) and he debuted his new "voice."

CereProc took commentary tracks that Ebert did for various DVDs and created a voice for Ebert that sounds like his and not just a generic computerized voice.


This is rather amazing. I continue to be impressed by how Ebert is living his life.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/03/02/heres-what-roger-eberts-new-voice-sounds-like/

I agree with everything yall have already said.


Also Ebert wrote the screenplay to my all time favorite film Beyond The Valley of the Dolls. It dont get no cooler than that.