Who Is Gene Siskel? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gene Siskel was born on January 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on February 20, 1999. He was a prominent American film critic known for his insightful critiques and extensive work in film journalism. Siskel gained fame as a co-host on the television show "Siskel & Ebert," where he reviewed films with fellow critic Roger Ebert. Despite his passing, Siskel's legacy continues to influence film criticism today.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1946 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 February, 1999 |
| Died Place | Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
Popularity
Gene Siskel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gene Siskel stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighed around 170 pounds (77 kg) during his lifetime. His charming demeanor and engaging personality were a hallmark of his on-screen presence, making him a beloved figure among film enthusiasts.
Siskel and Ebert left WTTW and PBS in 1982 for syndication. Their new show, At the Movies, was produced and distributed by Tribune Broadcasting, the parent company of the Chicago Tribune and WGN-TV. Sneak Previews continued on PBS for 14 more years with other hosts until its cancellation in 1996.
In 1986, Siskel and Ebert left Tribune Broadcasting to have their show produced by the syndication arm of the Walt Disney Company. The new incarnation of the show was originally titled Siskel & Ebert & the Movies, but later shortened to Siskel & Ebert.
At the Movies also continued for a few more years with other hosts until its cancellation in 1990.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gene Siskel was married to Marlene Iglitzen in 1969 until his death. The couple had two children together. Siskel was known for being a family man, often balancing his demanding career with a strong commitment to his family life. There are no publicly known details regarding any girlfriends or romantic relationships outside of his marriage.
His father died when he was four and his mother died when he was nine; thereafter, he was raised by his aunt and uncle. He attended Culver Academies, where he experienced anti-Semitism firsthand when a schoolmate gave him a piece of toast on which jam was spread in the shape of a swastika.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Gene Siskel had an estimated net worth of around $8 million. His income primarily derived from his work as a film critic, author, and television personality, along with any income from other projects related to film and media. His net worth as of 2025 is projected to have increased due to ongoing royalties and the continued popularity of his television work.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gene Siskel began his career at the Chicago Tribune as a film critic, where he established a reputation for his sharp, insightful critiques. In 1975, he teamed up with Roger Ebert on "Siskel & Ebert," a groundbreaking film review program that brought film criticism into mainstream American homes. Throughout his career, Siskel was not just a critic but also a passionate advocate for film, influencing public opinion about cinema. Additionally, his investments in various film-related projects contributed to his success, though he was not known for pursuing a traditional business path.
Siskel graduated from Yale University with a degree in philosophy in 1967. While at Yale, Siskel was classmates with poet Paul Monette and future New York Governor George Pataki. Siskel studied writing under Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Hersey, whose reference would later help Siskel get a job at the Chicago Tribune in 1969.
Social Network
Siskel actively participated in various film festivals and events, maintaining his relevance in the film industry. Although he passed away before social media took off, his impact has been preserved through blogs, websites, and online film communities. Fans and fellow critics continue to share his reviews and discuss his influence on modern film criticism, ensuring that his legacy endures through generations.
In 1986, the Chicago Tribune announced that Siskel was no longer the paper's film critic, and that his position with the paper had been shifted from that of a full-time film critic to that of a freelance contract writer who was to write about the film industry for the Sunday paper and also provide capsule film reviews for the paper's entertainment
sections.
The demotion occurred after Siskel and Ebert decided to shift production of their weekly movie-review show, then known as At the Movies (later known as Siskel & Ebert), from Tribune Entertainment to the Walt Disney Company's Buena Vista Television unit. Editor James Squires stated on the move, "He's done a great job for us.
It's a question of how much a person can do physically. We think you need to be a newspaper person first, and Gene Siskel always tried to do that.
But there comes a point when a career is so big that you can't do that." Siskel declined to comment on the new arrangement, but Ebert publicly criticized Siskel's Tribune bosses for punishing Siskel for taking their television program to a company other than Tribune Entertainment.
Ebert privately suggested that Siskel join him at the Chicago Sun-Times, but Siskel remained a freelancer for the Tribune until his death in 1999. He was replaced as film critic by Dave Kehr.
Education
Gene Siskel graduated from the University of Illinois in 1967 with a degree in philosophy before embarking on a career in journalism. This education, combined with his love for cinema, helped Siskel develop a unique perspective on film critique that resonated with audiences.
Siskel's first print review, written one month before he became the Tribune's film critic, was for the film Rascal. His review of the film was not favorable ("Because of the excessive gimmickry, most kids will miss the tenderness," he wrote). Prior to this, he served in the U.S.
Army Reserve; he was a military journalist and public affairs officer for the Defense Information School. For a time afterwards, he was acquainted with Playboy magazine publisher Hugh Hefner.
