I have been an avid fan, viewer, and reader of Roger Ebert for years. I believe he is the smartest and most well-rounded film critic to ever hold that position. He is also an astonishing writer. I don’t know how many people realize it, but he doesn’t only write about film. I’ve read many columns in which he discusses evolution v creationism, politics, and just life in general. He is the film critic that I aspire to be knowing full well I can never attain that level of skill.
I’ve sent him emails over the years, and he almost always replied. He was always very kind and personable. He is known to handle his own email. He doesn’t reply to all of it, but if he does, it is from him, not staff. In 2000, I was doing some freelancing for Relevant Magazine and emailed him to see if he would be interested in being interviewed for the topic I was wanting to write about. He replied that he would love to but had some upcoming medical appointments and wasn’t sure when he would be free. His schedule filled up, and the interview never happened. In 2002, it was announced that he was battling thyroid cancer. Over the next few years, he underwent several procedures that eventually left him unable to speak in 2007.
On his website Wednesday, Ebert announced that he can no longer eat or drink. He gets nutrition but cannot ingest anything orally. My heart breaks for the journey this guy is on, but I’m also amazed and encouraged by what is seemingly an undefeatable spirit in the man. He seems undeterred by this latest prognosis.
The article is long but well worth the read. This is probably not the Ebert that you think you know. This is a man who, while unable to use his mouth, still is a rich wellspring of words. This will make your day.
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