Roger Ebert Still Communicating - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

MickeyMac · 02-16-2010, 06:36 PM

Film critic Roger Ebert lost his ability to speak nearly four years ago, when he underwent a tracheostomy, a procedure that opens an airway through an incision in the windpipe, after surgery for cancer in his jaw.

In an interview in the new issue of Esquire magazine, the 67-year-old film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times uses pen and paper and text-to-speech computer software to communicate. He's developed a kind of rudimentary sign language, and he sometimes draws letters with his finger on the palm of his hand.

Ebert had surgery to remove his cancerous thyroid in 2002. He had surgery on his salivary glands in 2003 and on his jaw in 2006. Complications in 2006 led to more surgery and months of recuperation. He lost his ability to speak.

When asked about another operation to restore his voice, Ebert shakes his head.

Ebert has been a film critic for the Sun-Times since 1967. In 1975, he became the first journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for movie criticism.

His thumb, pointing up or down, was the main logo of the televised movie review shows he co-hosted, first with Gene Siskel of the rival Chicago Tribune and — after Siskel's death in 1999 — with his Sun-Times colleague Richard Roeper.

The Esquire article describes a moment where Ebert begins to type on his computer. He presses a button and the speakers light up. "I've never said this before," the voice says, "but we were born to be Siskel and Ebert." The voice then says: "I just miss the guy so much."

Besides his film reviews, Ebert writes a blog and has published numerous books.

The Great One · 02-16-2010, 07:01 PM

Thanks for posting the article. I didn't know about Roger Ebert's cancer.

catlover79 · 02-16-2010, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the article. I've always enjoyed Roger Ebert and am glad that he's using the power of writing/typing to communicate with the world!

Marvo301 · 02-16-2010, 07:31 PM

I noticed that in the title of both his TV shows his name came last. (Siskel and Ebert, Roeper and Ebert). to me that speaks volumes about the character of the man. I'm glad this man of outstanding character has found many ways to continue to communicate with the rest of us.

Schmoopie · 02-17-2010, 03:25 AM

I still see a ton of his movie reviews on Netflix so it's good to know that he's still able to enjoy his work. Such a shame that he can no longer speak though. Must be really frustrating at times.

02-16-2010, 06:36 PM	#1
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,006	Roger Ebert Still Communicating Film critic Roger Ebert lost his ability to speak nearly four years ago, when he underwent a tracheostomy, a procedure that opens an airway through an incision in the windpipe, after surgery for cancer in his jaw. In an interview in the new issue of Esquire magazine, the 67-year-old film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times uses pen and paper and text-to-speech computer software to communicate. He's developed a kind of rudimentary sign language, and he sometimes draws letters with his finger on the palm of his hand. Ebert had surgery to remove his cancerous thyroid in 2002. He had surgery on his salivary glands in 2003 and on his jaw in 2006. Complications in 2006 led to more surgery and months of recuperation. He lost his ability to speak. When asked about another operation to restore his voice, Ebert shakes his head. Ebert has been a film critic for the Sun-Times since 1967. In 1975, he became the first journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for movie criticism. His thumb, pointing up or down, was the main logo of the televised movie review shows he co-hosted, first with Gene Siskel of the rival Chicago Tribune and — after Siskel's death in 1999 — with his Sun-Times colleague Richard Roeper. The Esquire article describes a moment where Ebert begins to type on his computer. He presses a button and the speakers light up. "I've never said this before," the voice says, "but we were born to be Siskel and Ebert." The voice then says: "I just miss the guy so much." Besides his film reviews, Ebert writes a blog and has published numerous books.

02-16-2010, 07:01 PM	#2
The Great One Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 29, 2006 Posts: 6,378	Thanks for posting the article. I didn't know about Roger Ebert's cancer.
	__________________ .

02-16-2010, 07:12 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Thanks for the article. I've always enjoyed Roger Ebert and am glad that he's using the power of writing/typing to communicate with the world!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

02-16-2010, 07:31 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	I noticed that in the title of both his TV shows his name came last. (Siskel and Ebert, Roeper and Ebert). to me that speaks volumes about the character of the man. I'm glad this man of outstanding character has found many ways to continue to communicate with the rest of us.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

02-17-2010, 03:25 AM	#5
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I still see a ton of his movie reviews on Netflix so it's good to know that he's still able to enjoy his work. Such a shame that he can no longer speak though. Must be really frustrating at times.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019