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Roger Ebert died 7 years ago today, so it's time to tell one of my favorite stories: about his beef, then heartwarming reconciliation with @RobSchneider.
It began in 2005 with the release of Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo. An LA Times reporter took potshots at Schneider/the movie in print. Schneider responded with full-page ads in Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter trashing the reporter ... https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/07/business/media/buying-an-ad-to-defend-rather-than-promote-a-movie.html
Among Schneider's insults: that the LA Times reporter had never won a Pulitzer Prize.
Insert Roger Ebert, who HAD won a Pulitzer (for film criticism). Thus led to the most scathing, amazing take-down in film review history:
Insert Roger Ebert, who HAD won a Pulitzer (for film criticism). Thus led to the most scathing, amazing take-down in film review history:
Fast forward a few years to 2007. Ebert was recovering from serious health issues when he received a big bouquet of flowers at his home.
The bouquet was signed: "Your Least Favorite Movie Star, Rob Schneider."
The bouquet was signed: "Your Least Favorite Movie Star, Rob Schneider."
"It was a way of stepping back," Ebert would write. "It was a reminder that in the great scheme of things, a review doesn't mean very much ..." https://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/a-bouquet-arrives
Years later, after Ebert passed away, Schneider answered a few questions from his widow, Chaz.
Schneider said the Deuce review was embarrassing, but ultimately made him reassess the direction of his career. "Mr. Ebert's review was mean but fair." https://www.rogerebert.com/chazs-blog/one-act-of-kindness-rob-schneider-and-roger
Schneider said the Deuce review was embarrassing, but ultimately made him reassess the direction of his career. "Mr. Ebert's review was mean but fair." https://www.rogerebert.com/chazs-blog/one-act-of-kindness-rob-schneider-and-roger
Schneider told her: "The day I heard Roger was sick, I decided that I would not be the person who thanked or remembered what someone meant to them only after they were gone."
"...although Rob Schneider might (in my opinion) have made a bad movie, he is not a bad man," Ebert wrote in 2007, "and no doubt tried to make a wonderful movie, and hopes to again. I hope so, too."
Ebert died on April 4, 2013. He was really, really great.
Ebert died on April 4, 2013. He was really, really great.
