Roger Ebert Promises Return To Movie Reviewing This Month

CHICAGO — Roger Ebert will resume writing reviews later this month, but will not rejoin his syndicated TV show because he's still unable to speak.

In a letter published in Tuesday's Chicago Sun-Times, the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic and co-host of TV's "Ebert & Roeper" said surgery in January ended in complications, and his ability to speak was not restored. He said the return of speech would require another surgery.

"But I still have all my other abilities, including the love of viewing movies and writing about them," Ebert said.

Ebert, 65, said he's looking forward to his annual film festival starting April 23.

"I will resume writing movie reviews shortly thereafter," he said.

Ebert, famous for his "thumbs-up" or "thumbs-down" critiques, had surgery in 2006 to remove a cancerous growth on his salivary gland. He also had emergency surgery that year after a blood vessel burst near the site of the operation.

He had undergone cancer surgery three times before the 2006 operation _ once in 2002 to remove a malignant tumor on his thyroid gland and twice on his salivary gland the following year.

Ebert said he remains cancer-free, and is not ready to think about more surgery.

"I should be content with the abundance I have," he said.

The 10th annual Ebertfest at the University of Illinois runs April 23-27. Ebert chose 13 films for the festival.

Comments

[Zentomato]

Blessings to you Roger. You're an inspiration to so many as to how you have handled your illness. Be well and I hope to be reading your columns soon.

[MoreBlaseThanMost]

As a movie fan and web critic I've always considered Roger Ebert the Noam Chomsky of movie reviewers. As opposed to Michael Medved who is the Rush Limbaugh of movie reviewers. Not that Roger's that liberal mind you, but he's dropped deuces that are smarter than Medved.

[jimchap]

As a fellow survivor of a statistical death sentence from cancer, I give
Roger 2 thumbs up. Do your thing, Roger, you'll feel better and so will we.

[callit]

Roger, I haven't always agreed with you, but you have certainly always been a great influence and you always made me think. Glad to hear you'll be back -- best wishes!!

[BushBites]

And Richard Roeper's career is flashing before his eyes.

[starboymikey]

Ouch! I would never have recognized him from these pictures. I well remember Roger and Gene Siskel on PBS' Sneak Previews over twenty years ago, a show that later became syndicated as Ebert and Siskel's "At the Movies."

These guys were so articulate and perceptive, and I loved watching them argue the finer points of some film. I still go into video stores and pick up old movies that say "Ebert and Siskel, Two Thumbs Up," and always get a bit misty seeing that.

God's speed, Roger. Hope to see you back on TV someday soon.

[carefulcautious]

All good thoughts to your, Mr. Ebert. May you feel better soon and be "back at it" soon! The tragedy here of course is how much cancer research was halted by George W. Bushitler in order to finance his please-my-daddy war against the peaceful people of Iraq and their DRULY ELECTED LEADER Saddam Hussein (which is more than we can say for Bushit!!!!)

Obama/Edwards 08! See su peuda! Yes, I can! (And I will!)

[rinpochet]

I have really missed your intelligent and thoughtful reviews. You were a joy to watch and now you will be a joy to read.

My wishes are with you for a full recover.

[inthecolour]

Oh my goodness. I was completely unaware that it was this bad for him.

Best of luck to him!

[ann1]

My prayers are with you and hope to see you return soon.

[maxwellinformed]

Wow I didn't know it was that serious. Great to see him on road to recovery and in good spirits. This is inspirational. While we bicker on these blogs about nonsensical issues and get caught up in our own worlds, we often forget there are people with real issue. But often real issues are why we bicker so fervently. I am not sure that came out right. So I will just say I wish the best for Mr. Ebert, Get well.

[GeoLee]

Thumbs up and prayers for full recovery!

[longislandlol]

Lovely courageous gent of a man---

[dora rice]

TRUE, HE COULD DO A SERVICE WRITING ABOUT THE NEED FOR HEALTHINSURANCE
FOR ALL AMERICANS WHEN THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN HIS SITUATION. HE IS LUCKY
TO HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES TO PAY FOR HIS EXPENSIVE CARE. HE IS
A GREAT MOVIE CRITIC AND WAS ALSO ENTERTAINING. WE USED TO LOVE TO WATCH HIM.

[MsLiz]

Shhh. All caps is considered yelling, and you are in a theatre.

[realrick]

Actually Roger did discuss exactly that when he wrote his review of Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko" last year.

Go to his website and check it out for yourself before spouting off.

[donchep]

Actually by making that KC Chiefs and Indy Colts analogy he migt have helped boost Obama in Indiana..t­hanks Congressman :) And you are right, Obama will be our next president.

[BlackMagicWoman]

I wish you a speedy recovery, Mr. Ebert.