Roger Ebert Net Worth

Table of Contents

What is Roger Ebert’s Net Worth?

Roger Ebert, an American film critic, journalist, and screenwriter, had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death. His career began in 1966 when he started writing for the Chicago Sun-Times’ Sunday magazine. In 1975, he became the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize. Ebert gained widespread recognition when he teamed up with fellow movie critic Gene Siskel on a television show where they debated the quality of the latest films. This show became a hit, and both Ebert and Siskel became household names. They worked together until 1999 when Siskel passed away.

Ebert faced several health challenges throughout his life, including battles with thyroid cancer, cancer in his salivary gland, and complications from surgeries. Despite these difficulties, he continued to make public appearances and contribute to his field.

Highlights

– Roger Ebert had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death.
– He started his career writing for the Chicago Sun-Times’ Sunday magazine.
– In 1975, he won a Pulitzer Prize, becoming the first film critic to receive this honor.
– Ebert gained widespread fame through his television show with Gene Siskel, where they reviewed and discussed movies.
– He battled various health issues throughout his life but continued to make significant contributions to the film industry.

Early Life

Roger Ebert was born on June 18, 1942, in Urbana, Illinois. He was the only child of Annabel and Walter Ebert. His mother worked as a bookkeeper, while his father was an electrician. Ebert grew up in a Roman-Catholic family and attended St. Mary’s Elementary School.

During his high school years at Urbana High School, Ebert developed an interest in journalism and worked as a sportswriter for “The News-Gazette” in Champaign, Illinois. He also served as class president and co-editor of his high school newspaper. In his senior year, he won the Illinois High School Association state speech championship in the “radio speaking” category.

After completing high school, Ebert attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1964. He continued to work as a student journalist, contributing to “The Daily Illini.” During this time, he also served as the president of the U.S. Student Press Association. Subsequently, he pursued a master’s degree at the same university and spent a year studying at the University of Cape Town. He was later accepted as a Ph.D. student at the University of Chicago. While studying in Chicago, he began working as a general reporter at the “Chicago Sun-Times” in 1966.

Career

After the previous film critic at the Sun-Times left her role in 1967, Ebert was offered the position, which he accepted. His reviews quickly gained national attention, and he began exploring additional writing opportunities. In 1967, he published his first book, “Illini Century: One Hundred Years of Campus Life,” a history of the University of Illinois.

Ebert also ventured into screenwriting, co-writing the screenplay for Russ Meyer’s film “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” in 1970. He was involved in writing several other films throughout his career. In addition to writing, Ebert worked as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Chicago, teaching a class on film. He received widespread acclaim for his critical reviews and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975.

Throughout his career, Ebert’s film reviews were syndicated in over 200 newspapers in the United States and abroad. He became well-known for his television work, co-hosting shows such as “Sneak Previews” and “At the Movies With Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert.” Ebert trademarked the phrase “Two Thumbs Up” alongside Gene Siskel, and their film review summaries became iconic.

Ebert enjoyed other exciting opportunities in his career, including interviewing President Bill Clinton at the White House in 2000. In 2005, he became the first film critic to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, in 2008, Ebert ended his association with “At The Movies.”

His final film review, for the movie “To The Wonder,” was published in March 2013. Following his death, a few posthumous reviews were published.

Personal Life and Death

Ebert married Charlie “Chaz” Hammelsmith, a trial attorney, in 1992 when he was 50 years old. Before their marriage, Ebert had dated Oprah Winfrey for some time, and they remained long-time friends. Ebert was a recovering alcoholic, having quit drinking in 1979. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Ebert supported the Democratic Party and endorsed Barack Obama during his presidential campaigns.

Ebert faced several health challenges throughout his life. In 2002, he was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, which was successfully treated. He later had cancer near his mouth in 2006, which left him unable to speak for a considerable period. Despite his health issues, Ebert continued to contribute to his field and remained dedicated to his work.

On April 4, 2013, Roger Ebert passed away at the age of 70 at a hospital in Chicago. Following his death, numerous public tributes and memorials were held to honor his life and his significant contributions to the film industry.

Net Worth Over Time

Throughout his career, Roger Ebert accumulated a net worth of $10 million. Ebert’s financial success was primarily a result of his work as a film critic, journalist, author, and screenwriter. His television appearances, writing, and speaking engagements also contributed to his overall wealth.

Components of Net Worth

Roger Ebert’s net worth consisted of various assets and earnings, including his salary from his work as a film critic and television host. He derived income from his book sales, syndication of his film reviews, and public speaking engagements. Additionally, Ebert’s net worth included investments and any other sources of income he may have had throughout his career.

In conclusion, Roger Ebert was a highly influential film critic, journalist, and screenwriter who amassed a net worth of $10 million. His career spanned several decades and included various accomplishments, such as winning a Pulitzer Prize and co-hosting popular television shows with Gene Siskel. Ebert faced numerous health challenges throughout his life but continued to work and make significant contributions to the film industry until his passing. His impact on the industry and his dedication to the art of film criticism will be remembered for years to come.

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