Joel Siegel Dead at 63

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on June 29, 2007

While I couldn’t call him a friend or an esteemed colleague, Joel Siegel is still a man who represents the world of film. Joel died this afternoon, after a ten year battle with cancer. We will remember Joel for his “punny” headlines and his animated reviews. He will be sorely missed by the film community, and his impact on the field of film criticism is immeasurable.

Joel Siegel may have been on the short end of jokes lately, due to several incidents, including his argument with Kevin Smith. However, Joel is still a man who has left his mark on the world. He has been the face of entertainment for ABC news for over 20 years and has been a consistent force that has driven fans to the theater.

All of us here at FSR send our condolences to Mr. Siegel’s family. He will be missed.

Joel Siegel
(July 7, 1943 – June 29, 2007)

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El Bicho

Huh? I'm sorry for his family's loss, but let's not get crazy with the hyperbole.

"He will be sorely missed by the film community,"

Really? I am sure someone will step up to fill the "void" he has left by next week. You act like Hollywood is going to shut down.

"and his impact on the field of film criticism is immeasurable."

First time I have ever heard this. What was his impact exactly? If he was such a force, don't you think there would be a collection of his work?

"a consistent force that has driven fans to the theater."

Sorry, but I have never heard the phrase, "We've got to go see this movie Siegel is raving about." Name one movie he championed that the other critics missed.

I don't know what it is with death, but I have never understood why it makes survivors consistently overinflate the departed's accomplishments.

Mister Hand

I would agree that Siegel was "a consistent force that has driven fans to the theater." I would modify that to say, "He was a consistent schill who has driven fans to the theater to be assaulted by painfully mediocre movies which Siegel invariably described as 'the most fun you'll have in a theater this year!'"

H. Stewart

I have to agree with El Bicho; Joel Siegel's only impact on film criticism was to demean the profession. His career did significant damage to the form and sure it's always sad when someone dies and pity his family etc. etc. but let's not exaggerate. There's a difference between being respectful and lying.