Date of Birth: January 26, 1946
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: February 20, 1999
Biography
Eugene Kal “Gene” Siskel was an influential American film critic and journalist, best known for his long-running partnership with fellow critic Roger Ebert. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Siskel grew up in a Jewish family and attended Yale University, where he earned a degree in philosophy. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, Siskel began his career as a film critic for the Chicago Tribune in 1969. His insightful reviews and critical acumen quickly established him as a respected voice in the world of cinema. In 1975, Siskel teamed up with Ebert to co-host a local Chicago movie review show, “Opening Soon at a Theater Near You,” which later evolved into “Sneak Previews” on PBS and eventually the nationally syndicated “At the Movies.” The dynamic duo became famous for their “thumbs up, thumbs down” reviews and their lively, often contentious, on-screen debates. Their chemistry and genuine passion for film made them household names and earned them a devoted following. Siskel continued to work as a critic until his untimely death in 1999. His legacy lives on through his contributions to film criticism and the enduring impact of his partnership with Ebert.
5 Interesting Facts about Gene Siskel
1. Gene Siskel was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, an honor society for the liberal arts and sciences.
2. Siskel and Ebert’s “thumbs up, thumbs down” system became a cultural phenomenon and is still widely recognized today.
3. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bulls and often mentioned his love for basketball in his reviews.
4. Siskel was known for his sharp wit and often clashed with Ebert on-air, but the two shared a deep mutual respect and friendship off-screen.
5. In 1989, Siskel underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor but continued to work until shortly before his death.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Siskel
1. “We don’t do thumbs up and thumbs down. We do thumbs sideways sometimes.”
2. “Movies are the most powerful empathy machine in all the arts.”
3. “The only thing I regret about my life is that I have not said ‘I love you’ often enough.”
4. “If it’s not a good movie, I don’t care how long it is.”
5. “The joy of reviewing movies is sharing the experience with others.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Gene Siskel’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Gene Siskel had three children with his wife, Marlene Iglitzen: two daughters, Kate and Callie, and a son, Will.
Relevant Links
1. [Gene Siskel Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Siskel
3. [Siskel & Ebert Official Site](http://siskelandebert.org
4. [Gene Siskel Film Center](https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org
5. [Legacy.com Tribute](https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/eugene-siskel-obituary?pid=135534
