Roger Ebert Gives Health Update, Releases Photo Of His New Look
Filed under: Fandom, Exhibition, Newsstand, Other Festivals, Images
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Critic Roger Ebert has released a new statement to the Sun Times today, both about his condition and his plans for the near future. He begins by saying that he has chosen to ignore a lot of advice to not attend his Overlooked Film Festival this year even though he knows the paparazzi will obviously zero in on his new, post-op look. "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn," Ebert says. "As a journalist, I can take it as well as dish it out." He also concedes the obvious -- "I ain't a pretty boy no more. Not that I ever was. The original appeal of 'Siskel & Ebert' was that we didn't look like we belonged on TV." He goes on to note that he is unable to speak, due to an operation to remove a section of his jaw to halt the spread of salivary gland cancer. "A tracheostomy was necessary so, for the time being, I cannot speak," he says. "I make do with written notes and a lot hand-waving and eye-rolling. The doctors now plan an approach that does not involve the risk of unplanned bleeding. If all goes well, my speech will be restored. So when I turn up in Urbana, I will be wearing a gauze bandage around my neck, and my mouth will be seen to droop. So it goes."
The piece goes on, giving more details of his condition and explaining why he insists on traveling to the festival this year inspite of his obvious need for recovery: "Why do I want to go? Above all, to see the movies. Then to meet old friends and great directors and personally thank the loyal audience members who continue to support the festival. At least, not being able to speak, I am spared the need to explain why every film is 'overlooked,' or why I wrote 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.'" Long-time readers of Cinematical know that Ebert was an early supporter of our site, and we haven't forgotten it. We continue to wish him a full and quick recovery, and we'll have our own person on the ground at this year's Overlooked Film Festival.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-24-2007 @ 4:39PM
kaitlin hess said...
Wow, that photo is positively shocking....i wouldn't have even recognized him if i didnt know who he was.
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4-24-2007 @ 4:41PM
Kevin said...
By far my favorite movie critic. I think I speak for moviegoers everywhere when I say we're all wishing him the best and hoping to see him on television very soon. Best of luck Roger!
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4-24-2007 @ 6:46PM
Akbar Fazil said...
that photo is indeed shocking. I thought at first I was looking at Mel Torme.
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4-25-2007 @ 9:18AM
Phil said...
All my wishes for a speedy recovery to Roger!
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4-25-2007 @ 10:26AM
Denise said...
Wow! what a difference in his appearance. I am inspired by Mr. Ebert's style in the movie industry and do wish him well!
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4-25-2007 @ 11:24AM
Eli! said...
I love that fucking Verizon ad blaring Hillary Duff at me.
Nice work, assholes.
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4-25-2007 @ 11:27PM
Ann Adams said...
I've been wondering about Roger. Thanks for this.
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4-26-2007 @ 7:22AM
Winnie said...
Best wishes to a full recovery, Mr. Ebert. Your reviews on TV are truly missed. You are the only critic whose reviews matched most closely with mine. Hope to see you back on the tube this year.
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4-26-2007 @ 11:32AM
IRMA P HALL said...
THIS MAN IS TRULY A LEDGEND BECAUSE OF HIS WISDOM, HIS BRAVERY, HIS HONESTY AND HIS DETERMINATION TO LIVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST NO MATTER WHAT. GOD BLESS YOU ROGER MY PRAYERS. RESPECT, AND LOVE TO YOU. WELCOME BACK!
IRMA P. HALL
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4-27-2007 @ 11:59AM
Spencer Farmans said...
Best of luck to you, Roger, for a speedy recovery. Your criticism is about the best there is or ever
was, and that includes your great idol James Agee.
Congratulations, too, on your wonderful new book, "Awake in the Dark." I especially enjoy the
confort in knowing that all of those great essays are
now together, and collected in one volumn in my library.
Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you on television soon.
All the best,
(your grateful student)
Spencer Farmans
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4-30-2007 @ 5:39AM
Rose said...
Our daughter was born with a facial abnormality of her jaw and neck and has had a tracheostomy for 23 years, and has endured over forty surgeries. She was a varsity basketball and softball player and now is a graduate registered nurse. She and Mr. Ebert bring light to a world overwhelmed by "exteriors" and teach acceptance of those that "face" prejudice and ridicule on a daily basis. I admire Mr. Ebert's courage on so many levels....God Bless him.....
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5-01-2007 @ 3:10AM
chris said...
Roger--we've missed you on the show. Mellencamp was fun, but it's not the same without you. All the best in your recovery.
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5-01-2007 @ 11:07AM
brenda said...
dear roger, unfortunately age and time go together and when we reach that point ,well, we must as they say'play with the cards we are dealt'
when my father was alive and somewhat spry,a young teenager made fun of him as he was walking to which my dad say< "listen, just because i am older thsn you is no guarantee that you will live longer than me." so with that i conclude---from one aged o'rourkian to another.brenda
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5-02-2007 @ 5:58PM
Francine Johnston said...
Dear Roger Ebert, I was truly touched by your courage to show the world what you are truly made of at the film festival. I can fully appreciate the way you feel as I too, was diagnosed with the same cancer & refuse to hide. I had a 10 hour surgery last Dec. 7,'06 in Toronto. An incision from ear to ear was made in my neck in order to reach the tumour located in my jaw bone. I also had a tracheostomy. A bone was removed from my donor leg to re-construct my jaw. Arteries & veins were re-connected.My floor mouth was completely re-done using the skin from my donor leg. A flap was created & attached under my tongue. My speech will never be the same. Lymph nodes were removed.
YET, this life changing experience is in some ways turning out to be an incredible journey. After a short while, it lets you stare down at your fears and provides you with the power to experience life to the fullest. Wishing you a speedy recovery. It would have been an honour to meet you. With Kind Regards, Francine J.
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5-19-2007 @ 6:18PM
K Polus said...
Roger: We've missed you on the show - no one can even begin to fill your shoes. Your reviews have evolved over the years into ones that my husband and I, as avid moviegoers, appreciate even more - they take into account not only the technical, etc. - but how the "general viewer" will take in the movie as an experience. It's a point of view rarely noted - and we appreciate it. We're so happy to hear that, while challenging, your health issues have not darkened your spirit....and your love for film. Know that many fans think often of you - and seek out your every comment!
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5-24-2007 @ 6:56PM
Nancy said...
Thank you Roger Ebert for all your film reviews. We look forward to your return to Ebert and Roeper. Best wishes in your recovery.
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5-31-2007 @ 2:02PM
Herb Larson said...
Hi Roger,
Met you while flying first class to Washington, D.C. to my National Captioning Institute Board meeting years ago. You were in the seat behind me and I wrote you a note (I'm deaf so that's the best way for me to communicate) asking you to help make your show captioned so people like me could enjoy it as well.
I thought you might want to try to take up sign language ... It's a fabulous language and very beneficial ... If you need help with this, let me know! Good Luck to you as you recover !!!
Herb Larson
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6-06-2007 @ 9:26PM
Heidi Simmons said...
I'm in awe of your spirit, determination, and love of life. Good luck to you Roger Ebert! We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you recover!
Heidi Simmons
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6-13-2007 @ 5:57PM
sue sandelli said...
Truly an inspiration to us all, but especially my Mother was just diagnosed
with the same condition and surgery is schedule for July 2007. We ALL miss you and thank you for years of great insight. Hurry back....we'll be waiting.
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7-05-2007 @ 6:32AM
don perry said...
My wife and I have loved your reviews and TV commentary over the years.As one commentator has already said, our tastes and opinions on film have been pretty consistent with yours over time.Best of luck in the future,Don Perry& Patty Sloan
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