From Spielberg to Oprah: Hollywood reacts to Roger Ebert's death

Movie buffs the world over mourned as famous Hollywood critic Roger Ebert breathed his last yesterday, at the age of 70. The Chicago Sun-Times writer succumbed to cancer after fighting it over for over a decade. Sadly, the writer marked 45 years with the paper on Wednesday and died the next day. Movies are not going to be the same again for millions world over, including President Obama. [caption id=“attachment_687275” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The writer had just marked 45 years with the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday. AP[/caption] In a press statement, the President said: “Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Roger Ebert. For a generation of Americans - and especially Chicagoans - Roger was the movies. When he didn’t like a film, he was honest; when he did, he was effusive - capturing the unique power of the movies to take us somewhere magical. Even amidst his own battles with cancer, Roger was as productive as he was resilient - continuing to share his passion and perspective with the world. The movies won’t be the same without Roger, and our thoughts and prayers are with Chaz and the rest of the Ebert family.” Hollywood’s leading personalities also expressed their shock and grief over the legendary critic’s death. Here are a few highlights – Steven Spielberg in a statement said, “Roger loved movies. They were his life. His reviews went far deeper than simply thumbs up or thumbs down. He wrote with passion through a real knowledge of film and film history, and in doing so, helped many movies find their audiences. Along with Gene Shalit, Joel Siegel, and of course Gene Siskel, Roger put television criticism on the map. Roger’s passing is virtually the end of an era and now the balcony is closed forever.” “Roger and Gene together again. End of an era.” – Oprah Winfrey  “Goodbye Roger Ebert, we had fun. The balcony is closed.” – Steve Martin “we lost a thoughtful writer, i remember my first review from him, pi (i got his and siskel’s thumbs) it was a career highlight. #rogerebert” – Daren Aronfsky “Roger Ebert. Millions of thumbs up for you. RIP” – Michael Moore “I Miss My Dear Friend Roger Ebert.Roger Was One Of The 1st Major Movie Critics To Support My Joints,Especially Malcolm X And DTRT.-R.I.P.” – Spike Lee “R.I.P. Roger Ebert. It was a privilege to interact with you. Thank you for the support, the criticism, and the true love for the movies.” – Diablo Cody “This is my happening and it freaks me out”. Roger Ebert wrote the truly incredible Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls. He is beyond a legend.” – Edgar Wright  “My thoughts are with Roger Ebert’s family. He was one of the greats and will be dearly missed.” – Wes Craven “Roger, I hope you’re in an infinite movie palace, watching every film the great directors only dreamed of making. RIP, @ebertchicago … By the way, Death’s about to get a SUPER s***ty review. RIP, @ebertchicago” - Patton Oswalt “I started watching/reading @EbertChicago in 1984. He was a good man & a fierce advocate for great film. #RIPEbert” - Rainn Wilson “Such a lovely man & spirit. He will be greatly missed!” - Morgan Fairchild “Ever a class act, @EbertChicago made me love movies even more.” - Seth Green “Dear Roger- you were a true friend to me and my family. Thank you. Your voice will never be silenced. #rogerebert” - Virginia Madsen “RIP Roger Ebert. A wonderful man, always more than kind to me. He wrote intelligent, informed criticism without being petty or cynical.” - Lou Diamond Phillips “Roger Ebert was an excellent writer, a gifted artist, and as nice a guy as you’ll ever meet. Sad he’s gone.” - Jimmy Kimmel “Sad to hear about the passing of Roger Ebert, he was a grand man & in my opinion the dean of American film critics-he will be sorely missed” - Larry King “R.I.P. Roger Ebert. One of the greats in his field. I’m very sad.” - Albert Brooks “Shocked and truly, deeply saddened at the loss of the great Roger Ebert. A legend. His voice will be missed.” - Anna Kendrick “The entertainment world has lost a true fan and benefactor today. RIP, Roger Ebert.” -Daniel Dae Kim “@ebertchicago two thumbs. up.” - Kurt Sutter “Finest person i’ve met in this industry. R.I.P. Roger Ebert A film critic with the soul of a poet.” - Annabella Sciorra “A sincere RIP, Mr. Ebert, from this Chicago boy.” - Steve Levitan