Film Critic Roger Ebert Dead At 70 – RIP

The Chicago Sun Times announced that Roger Ebert has died. He was 70. Ebert had been battling cancer. Just 2 days ago he revealed that he was seeking treatment for cancer once again, and would be taking a "leave of presence" from his activities. RIP

Roger Ebert was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002. Four years later doctors removed part of his lower jaw. Even though this prevented him from speaking and eating properly, he continued to write movie reviews, and later would make public appearances after surgeries corrected his facial structure.

Ebert popularized the "thumbs up, thumbs down" rating system with Gene Siskel. Not only did he become one of the most famous (if not THE most famous) movie critic of all time, but he hosted "At The Movies" with Siskel until Siskel's death in 1999, and then Richard Roeper stepped in to fill Siskel's shoes until Ebert was no longer able to do the show in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, step-daughter, and two step-granchildren.