Roger Ebert, the revered Sun-Times movie critic who takes a back seat to no one, will temporarily turn over his seat in the balcony to celebrity co-hosts while he continues to recover from cancer surgery.Starting with the "Ebert & Roeper" show to air Aug. 5, fellow Sun-Timesman Richard Roeper will be joined by guest critics to review the week’s movies. Previously taped shows will continue to air until then. "Don’t get too used to these guest co-hosts because I’ll be back in the balcony before you know it," an upbeat Ebert said Monday from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he is reported to be in good condition and getting better each day. Ebert, 64, underwent surgery for a recurrence of salivary cancer on June 16. A follow-up surgery on July 1 repaired a blood vessel that burst near the site of the earlier operation. "Roger is improving each day and continues on his road to recovery," said his wife, Chaz Ebert. "He’s been through a lot and needs more time to recuperate. . . . Roger will return to his seat in the balcony in the near future, and I ask that you continue to send healing thoughts his way."Said Roeper: "As much as I’m looking forward to opening the balcony to some bright and challenging minds, what I’m really anticipating is that day in the near future when I can welcome back the best and most popular film critic in the world."
Chicago Sun-Times
