Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert died today, two days after he wrote on his blog that he was taking a "leave of presence" (such a graceful phrase) from his writing to fight cancer discovered when he fractured his hip in December. He had previously been treated for cancer of the thyroid gland and the salivary gland.

The White House issued a statement:

Statement by the President on the Passing of Roger Ebert

Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Roger Ebert. For a generation of Americans - and especially Chicagoans - Roger was the movies. When he didn't like a film, he was honest; when he did, he was effusive - capturing the unique power of the movies to take us somewhere magical. Even amidst his own battles with cancer, Roger was as productive as he was resilient - continuing to share his passion and perspective with the world. The movies won't be the same without Roger, and our thoughts and prayers are with Chaz and the rest of the Ebert family.