Breaking news and saddening from the film world.

Roger Ebert, film critic extraordinare and one of my influences, died today at age 70 from cancer.

Ebert was a film critic for Chicago Sun Times. During that time, he became known for his film review column, which contained hundreds of film reviews dating back to 1967. He later became known for his 23-year partnership with fellow critic Gene Siskel, with whom he starred in many film critic shows, the last of which was At The Movies.

After Siskel died of brain surgery complications in 1999, Ebert continued the show with several guest hosts, until 2000, when film critic Richard Roeper, joined him on the balcony.

In 2006 Ebert took leave from the show to get treatment for thyroid cancer and salivary cancer. Complications caused him to lose his lower jaw and his abilities to speak and eat. In 2008, both he and Roeper left At The Movies, which continued with new hosts for two more years before ending in 2010.

Despite the loss of his voice, Ebert continued to make public appearances and write film reviews for the Chicago Sun Times up until his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Chaz, two stepchildren and several step-grandchildren.

P.S. I intend to start writing film reviews again soon, stay tuned to my blog for future updates!