The Tragic Deaths of Siskel and Ebert

If you have any appreciation for cinema, you might have Siskel and Ebert to thank for it. They recommended great films by giving them “Two Thumbs Up” and then there were those many films that they lambasted – often to the ire of the stars and filmmakers behind them. But whether you always agreed with them or not, they were a seminal part of film culture in the United States and it’s just not the same without them.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:21 - Gene Siskel
02:08 - Roger Ebert
04:08 - Siskel and Ebert’s Relationship
05:25 - Siskel and Ebert – The Movies They Hated
06:52 - Outro

Gene Siskel was a film critic for the Chicago Tribune and was one of the most respected film critics of his generation. He sadly died in 1999 and it came all of a sudden – though he did have an illness for some time. He was such a presence on the show Siskel and Ebert that it took several rotating film critics and film personalities before he was replaced by Richard Roeper. Gene was also known for making jokes about Roger Ebert that were often cruel but in reality, was known as a generous man.

The same went for Roger Ebert. The other half of Siskel and Ebert didn’t pull any punches when it came to expressing his hatred for certain movies! Sometimes this caused a backlash and even feuds, but ultimately, no one could hate Siskel and Ebert forever. Even to this day, they remain a great inspiration for current and aspiring film critics and film writers.

But there was also something intriguing about the relationship between Siskel and Ebert. Sometimes their disagreements about films would become aggressive and sometimes they’d end up hurling insults at each other. During talk shows, especially with David Letterman, they would often poke jokes at each other. Often, fans wondered whether this was just part of their act or if they truly disliked each other.

The Tragic Deaths of Siskel and Ebert

[patrickshields]

These guys were my inspiration for being a film historian, because they were first hand witnesses to major changes in Hollywood. They began reviewing movies at the beginning of the New Hollywood era, they became TV stars during the rise of the summer blockbusters, and they spent their final years embracing the indie film movement. They covered every movie they could.

[ralphus]

I loved watching Siskel and Ebert. They were entertaining and by watching them, I gained a love of movies that has never gone away.

[grantmaxwell]

I've known of Roger Ebert's writings for a while yet this week I discovered 'Siskel & Ebert'. The vocabulary of both, the playful verbal jabs, the scorn for terrible films and praise for worthy films. A timeless classic of a show that will live on in the hearts of many!

[suralos]

What made their reviews such a joy to watch is because neither really had any superiority over one another and would often disagree that when they did agree with whether a film was good or bad you got a good sense of what they talking about.

[monicabennett]

These guys taught me how to look at a film deeply. For that I am grateful!

[NotData]

Although both of them are no longer with us, I wish there was still a similar type show on the air today. If nothing else, it helped me learn about some films I would not know otherwise.

[zovalentine]

Rest in powerful peace 🙏
Gene Siskel
26 January 1945 ~
20 February 1999⚘

[Riogi]

I miss Siskel and Ebert. They were awesome film critics.

[thisisme]

Spent a lot of time watching Siskel and Ebert. Agree that sometimes their words seemed "heated" in discussions. Miss their programs.

[wayhollobj]

How'd i miss this??
I've enjoyed watching older episodes lately
Used to watch them almost every weekend for 2 decades
Lovely that they actually cared about each other
Despite rivalry

[noahellis]

I always enjoyed watching Siskel and Ebert when they did reviews of the latest movies that were out that week. I happened to agree more with Ebert on his take of a certain movie but sometimes wished I had listened to Siskels' opinion on some movies. I especially enjoyed their "dog of the week" reviews that each critic would sum up what they considered to be the 2 worst movies out at theaters. They were fun to watch and listen to and I felt that I had learned something about the movies that I hadn't considered. Their passing away certainly was felt and I don't think anyone was ever thought of to replace Roger Ebert after he died. I sure wouldn't mind seeing them now talking about the latest batch of movies coming out of Hollywood.

[maureencora]

They Should Do a Movie About Them. They Were Both a Good Show. May They R.I.P.

[michaeltouchette]

those of us that grew up listening to Siskel and Ebert, stop listening to Movie reviewers when they left us...
hell I couldn't even give one name of a movie reviewer since these guys heyday. very good story, these guys were great and yes we hung on their reviews

[PunkSlapper]

I miss these two. I didn't always agree with their movie reviews but I did enjoy their insight. I used to look foward to staying up late to watch them go at it.

[arnellamahoney]

I enjoyed watching their Oscar specials. Believe it or not they were pretty near accurate when it came down to the best picture, actor and actress Oscar’s. I learn to appreciate the art of filmmaking because of them. When I was a film student in college they made me more aware and mindful of what good filmmaking and especially good writing was all about.

[indyj]

Movie critic reviews are interesting but they’ve never influenced my decisions on what movies to see. I’m going to watch what I want. But I appreciated Siskel & Ebert’s insightful opinions.

[jons.]

They were real "influencers" before there even was such a thing! Hahaha! The 1969 movie "Z" that was mentioned was a pretty heavy subject but the soundtrack to it was super cool! My mom even bought the LP after seeing the film and played it often.

[zovalentine]

Rest in powerful peace 🙏
Roger Ebert
8 June 1942 ~
4 April 2013⚘

[rehabmax]

Pre internet Siskel and Ebert were the go to guys for reviews. Nobody since has brought the same perspectives or influence. they had. . The market is so different now with less movies being made. Rotten tomatoes is all we have now..

[scottdowns]

I really enjoyed those guys and miss them very much