14 DAY TRIAL // The most influential and popular film critic in the US, Roger Ebert, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002. Since then, he’s undergone several surgical interventions, which eventually led to the removal of his jaw and him losing his ability to speak. Throughout it all was his wife, Chaz Ebert, who’s become, together with Roger himself, a symbol of courage and hope. In an interview with PopEater, Chaz reveals it’s optimism that has helped her cope with everything.
Roger and Chaz’s relationship is something out of a love novel, the two giving meaning to the phrase “through sickness and in health” and “’till death do us part.” They have often spoken about their beautiful love story and their constant struggle against the terrible disease that cost the movie critic what he seemed to need the most: his voice. Mute but not silent, Roger is now more vocal than ever on the Internet – that, and many other things Chaz talks about in the latest interview.
“Sometimes, I’m almost ashamed we feel so positive. People think you shouldn’t be so happy, because when you fall, it’s going to be that much more disappointing. But you know what? We’ll take each day as it comes. […] I know Roger doesn’t like me telling people this, I just had a very deeply spiritual – almost psychic feeling – that it was not his time to go; that he was going to be around for other things, and that I had to fight for him to be here,” Chaz says for the e-zine about how optimism helped them both when coping with the disease.
Of course, being constantly showered with support from the fans also helped a lot, while also standing testimony of just a wonderful human being Ebert is, since he’s able to touch so many people with his story. “Roger and I have been thrilled at how welcoming and accepting people have been. It really reinforces my faith in humankind. I think you hit the nail on the head. Over all these years that Roger has been a film critic, he’s built up credibility with the public, who expect him to be open and honest. Credibility is a currency that he was able to use in this situation and that people were rooting for him – as he’s so often rooted for the underdog over the years – that’s one of the ways I can best explain it. I also think Roger has very good karma, and I think I do too,” his wife further adds.
Both Roger and Chaz are now seeing about their life, having already adapted to living with the disease, as well as his inability to speak or eat solids. The critic in Ebert, though, is as energetic and talkative as always, still seeing to his reviews, which he publishes on his personal blog, talking to fans on Twitter and, as of late, launching Ebertfest – for all movie lovers out there. For the full emotional interview with Chaz Ebert, please refer here.