Joel Siegel, film critic for ABC, has died at the age of 63 following a ten year battle with colon cancer. I may not have been his biggest fan, but he was a popular and well known voice that many people loved. His death comes as a shock, I did not even know that he had been sick, apparently he was always so upbeat around the office that many co-workers would nearly forget it as well.
My biggest complaint with him was his handling of the Clerks II screening, last summer, that he walked out of, loudly. That seems like such a long time ago, any disgust that may still be buried within my mind has been replaced with sadness for his loved ones. If nothing else, he always offered his unique brand of insight into whatever film he happened to be reviewing. Insight that I would not often agree with, but would always respect.
In a statement today, ABC News President David Westin said, "Joel was an important part of ABC News and we will miss him. He was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. But much more, he was our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
More than just a critic, or a member of the press, he is a man who cared about his family and being able to share life with his son, whom he knew he would not see grow up. He wrote a book for his young son, Lessons to Dylan: From Father to Son, a book that opened up his life to his son, and anyone who wishes to read it. I have not read the book, but it is such a beatiful and thoughtful concept that I applaud him for doing so, for having the foresight to do such a thing. Joel Siegel was not a man to fall into self pity over his condition, always keeping an upbeat demeanor.
Joel Siegel was born July 7, 1943 in Los Angeles, and has been the recipient of five New York Emmy's. Also, in 1991 he, along with Gene Wilder, founded Gilda's Club which offers support for cancer patients.
Read and see more about Joel Siegel at ABC News.
Again, my prayers go out to Joel Siegel's friends and loved ones.
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