A life-size bronze sculpture honoring Chicago film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, known for their famous “thumbs up, thumbs down” movie rating system, is planned for Chicago’s Prudential Plaza.
The 6-foot-5 statue, named “Siskel & Ebert: Two Thumbs Up,” will feature the duo standing behind their familiar theater seats, inviting visitors to take a seat alongside them, according to a news release.
Siskel, film critic for the Chicago Tribune, and Ebert, film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, made their television debut paired together in 1975 for the show “Opening Soon at a Theater Near You.” The duo gained nationwide recognition over their 25-year partnership, which included three nationally syndicated programs.
“Siskel and Ebert defined the movie experience for years, and their simple yet iconic thumbs up and thumbs down verdicts became part of American pop culture. We are proud to bring these beloved figures back to the City of Chicago just blocks away from their former offices,” said Larry Krueger, managing director of Wanxiang, the owner of Prudential Plaza.
Acclaimed Illinois sculptor, painter and educator Preston Jackson will create the piece. Jackson, professor emeritus of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, is known for works honoring Richard Pryor, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable.
Chicago film producer Pam Kasper is spearheading the project. She is also developing a documentary about Siskel and Ebert with Appian Way Productions and director Michael Bonfiglio.
Both the Siskel and Ebert families support the statue and have approved its design, the news release stated.
The statue is expected to be installed in early 2028.
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