Bronze Statue Honors Siskel and Ebert in Chicago
Just over a quarter-century after the iconic partnership of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel captivated film lovers, their indelible legacies are set to be cast in bronze. In Chicago, a lasting physical tribute to their shared influence will stand as a reminder of the thoughtful, opinionated, and endlessly entertaining dynamic that defined their time on television.
The planned sculpture, measuring six feet five inches tall, will be named “Siskel & Ebert: Two Thumbs Up“. It is slated for a prominent location at Prudential Plaza, off Michigan Avenue, a spot chosen to honor the proximity to the media and publishing world where the duo spent so much time.
Bringing this vision to life is the acclaimed Illinois sculptor, painter, and educator Preston Jackson, Professor Emeritus of Sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Jackson has a history of immortalizing famous figures in bronze, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Richard Pryor, and he is poised to channel his talent into honoring the film critics.
Spearheading this public tribute is film producer Pam Kasper, who has led the fundraising campaign in partnership with Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit organization acting as the project’s fiscal sponsor. Kasper emphasizes the deep respect that underpinned the duo’s famous disagreements. “Gene and Roger were smart, entertaining, opinionated, and weren’t afraid to have passionate disagreements over a film,” Kasper noted. “Yet underneath the arguing was a genuine respect for one another.”
Their influence stretched far beyond the screen; they shaped the landscape of movies, filmmakers, and audiences. This enduring influence has inspired further exploration, with Ms. Kasper and documentary filmmaker Mike Bonfiglio currently working on a documentary to explore the history of the celebrated pair.
The tribute project is supported by a vibrant community effort, which includes a live auction running through Saturday, November 14th, featuring over 300 television and movie items. These items include vintage film posters and lobby cards signed by legendary stars such as Julie Andrews, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, and Meryl Streep, alongside cast-signed posters from classics like “The Sound of Music” and “The Big Lebowski”.
All auction items are available for viewing at auction.siskelandebertstatue.org. Donations made through the campaign are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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