Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Chaz Ebert

Chaz Ebert (born October 15, 1952) is an American lawyer, film producer, and businesswoman best known as the widow of film critic , whom she married on July 18, 1992, and who died in 2013. Born in to Johnnie Hobbs Hammel and Wiley Hammel Sr., she earned a in from the in 1972 and a J.D. from College of Law, initially practicing as an before transitioning to entertainment management. After marrying Roger Ebert, she managed the business aspects of his career, including television production and syndication deals, and supported him through his health challenges following his 2006 cancer diagnosis. As CEO of Ebert Digital LLC and president of The Ebert Company Ltd., Ebert oversees the publication of , a leading platform for and analysis that continues her husband's legacy of accessible and insightful reviews. She has produced notable works such as the documentary Life Itself (2014), directed by Steve James and based on 's memoir, which earned critical acclaim for its intimate portrayal of the critic's life and marriage. Additionally, Ebert authored It's Time to Give a FECK: Making Wise Decisions that Help You and Others Flourish (2020), outlining principles of , , , and derived from her experiences. Through the Roger Ebert Film Festival and foundation initiatives, she promotes independent cinema and philanthropic causes aligned with ethical storytelling.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Chaz Ebert, born Charlie Hammel on October 15, 1952, in , , grew up in a working-class as the second youngest of nine children. Her father, Wiley Hammel Sr., worked as a and processor in the Chicago stockyards, while her mother, Johnnie Hobbs Hammel, served as a housewife who later took on additional work after the father's death in 1972. Raised on Chicago's near West Side, Ebert experienced the demands of a large where resources were stretched, fostering early amid the realities of a blue-collar environment with limited professional role models. Her neighborhood featured few attorneys, which highlighted the scarcity of legal career paths in her immediate surroundings. From age six, Ebert aspired to become a , influenced by television depictions of the profession and discussions with a next-door neighbor's son pursuing . This interest extended to , as her mother's position as a in the First Ward involved the family in voter efforts, including door-to-door to boost turnout. Such activities in a politically active home environment helped cultivate her early drive for advocacy and public engagement.

Academic Training and Early Aspirations

Chaz Ebert earned a degree in from the University of Dubuque in , in 1972. This undergraduate focus provided foundational knowledge in , , and , aligning with her early career trajectory toward legal practice. Following her , Ebert pursued a in from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, enhancing her understanding of societal structures and human behavior in preparation for advanced professional roles. She then obtained a from College of Law in in 1977, completing a demanding that emphasized legal reasoning, advocacy, and ethical practice. From childhood, Ebert harbored aspirations to become a , a goal that her background supported by fostering analytical skills applicable to litigation and disputes. This progression through academia reflected a deliberate path toward a career involving and legal service, culminating in her admission to the Illinois bar and entry into litigation shortly after graduation.

Pre-Ebert Professional Career

Legal Practice in Chicago

Chaz Ebert commenced her legal career in 1977 upon earning her from College of Law, joining the Region V office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in as a litigator. In this capacity, she handled enforcement actions related to environmental regulations and became the first African American enforcement attorney in the region's office. Her tenure there lasted three years, during which her work garnered early recognition, including a profile in Ebony magazine highlighting her professional achievements. In 1980, Ebert moved to private practice, entering the litigation department of the Chicago-based firm Bell Boyd & Lloyd LLP, where she specialized in as well as intellectual property disputes. She also pursued civil rights litigation, collaborating with the on cases involving race- and age-based workplace discrimination. These efforts underscored her focus on civil matters, contributing to her reputation as a competent in Chicago's legal circles. Ebert's proficiency in these areas was affirmed by her designation as of the Year by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, reflecting empirical validation of her impact in civil rights and litigation. Through the , she sustained a successful practice handling such cases, though specific outcomes and client details remain undocumented in public records. By the late , amid emerging opportunities in entertainment management, Ebert pragmatically reduced her full-time legal commitments to accommodate advisory roles, marking a strategic from traditional practice.

Initial Steps into Entertainment Management

In the late , following nearly a decade in corporate litigation at the Chicago Bell Boyd & Lloyd LLP—where her practice emphasized mergers, acquisitions, and —Chaz Hammelsmith shifted toward entertainment-related advisory work. This move capitalized on her honed skills in contract negotiation and deal structuring, applicable to and talent agreements amid Chicago's burgeoning arts scene. By 1989, she took on a vice presidential role at an entertainment management firm, managing day-to-day operations and delivering legal guidance on business transactions within the industry. Her prior exposure to disputes facilitated this pivot, enabling precise handling of licensing and production contracts without prior direct involvement. This position marked her entry into operational oversight of assets, bridging legal precision with sector-specific demands.

Personal Life and Sobriety Journey

First Marriage and Family

Chaz Ebert's first was to Merle Smith, an electrical engineer. The couple had two children: a son, Josibiah, and a daughter, . Ebert and Smith divorced prior to her 1992 marriage to . Throughout her first marriage and its dissolution, Ebert resided in and maintained her legal practice as a while raising her children. This period established her as a in the city's professional environment, supported by local family networks though specific details on relocations remain undocumented in public records.

Overcoming Alcoholism and Meeting Roger Ebert

Chaz Ebert confronted a history of that intensified during her adult years, culminating in her pursuit of recovery through in the late 1980s. In the 2014 documentary Life Itself, directed by Steve James, Ebert disclosed her personal battle with for the first time on record, emphasizing the program's role in fostering discipline and communal accountability essential for sustained abstinence. Participation in AA meetings provided empirical structure, aligning with evidence from recovery literature that peer-led groups correlate with higher long-term sobriety rates compared to isolated efforts. In 1989, during an gathering in , Ebert first caught the attention of , the film critic who had himself quit drinking in 1979 after years of heavy consumption but maintained involvement in the program. Roger later recounted noticing her across the room at the meeting, leading to a subsequent dinner where they connected over shared recovery experiences. This encounter marked the beginning of reciprocal encouragement in their , with both leveraging AA's principles of sponsorship and step-based progression to navigate relapse risks without romanticizing the meeting as predestined. Recovery enabled Ebert to channel greater clarity into her legal and emerging entertainment pursuits, as sobriety typically enhances cognitive function and decision-making per clinical observations of alcohol cessation. Their interaction underscored AA's utility in building resilient networks, where mutual —rather than isolated willpower—sustains abstinence, evidenced by Ebert's enduring commitment post-1989.

Marriage to Roger Ebert and Shared Life

Chaz Hammelsmith and married on July 18, 1992, following a that began in 1989 and included Roger's proposal to her during the in 1990. The couple established a in , where they cultivated a domestic routine centered on intellectual engagement and professional collaboration. Their partnership emphasized mutual support, with Chaz handling logistical aspects of Roger's burgeoning media commitments, including travel arrangements for television productions and public events during the era of Siskel & Ebert and its successors. The Eberts frequently traveled together to international film festivals such as Cannes and , integrating professional obligations with personal exploration of culture, including visits to opera houses and galleries. These trips underscored their shared enthusiasm for , often involving post-screening discussions that highlighted complementary yet distinct perspectives—Roger noted their quick formation of a profound emotional and intellectual bond, rooted in candid exchanges about films and broader ideas. Joint appearances at industry events, such as festival panels and promotional activities, further exemplified their collaborative dynamic, where Chaz's legal and managerial acumen complemented Roger's critical voice. Though the couple had no biological children together, Roger integrated into Chaz's family as a stepfather to her two children from her previous marriage, Sonia and Jay, and they collectively spent time with the grandchildren during family-oriented travels to European cities like and . This familial extension reinforced their home life in , blending professional pursuits with routines of reading, film viewing, and strategic planning for ventures like the founding of in 1999, which they co-established to champion overlooked films. Roger publicly attributed to Chaz a stabilizing influence that enhanced his productivity, describing her as integral to his life's structure without which his achievements would have been diminished.

Roger's Health Decline and Death in 2013

Roger Ebert was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in 2002, undergoing surgery that year to remove a malignant tumor from his thyroid gland. The cancer recurred, leading to two additional surgeries on his salivary glands in 2003. By 2006, complications from further cancer-related procedures necessitated the removal of part of his lower jaw, resulting in the permanent loss of his ability to speak, eat solid foods, or drink. Ebert subsequently relied on a computer-generated voice for public communication and developed private signals with his wife, Chaz Ebert, to facilitate their daily interactions during his ongoing treatments, including radiation and additional surgeries into 2012. Chaz Ebert served as his primary caregiver throughout this period, managing his medical needs and advocating for his continued professional output despite the physical toll. In early 2013, Ebert announced a recurrence of cancer in his , opting for a "leave of presence" to focus on recovery while expressing fatigue with the prolonged battle. On April 4, 2013, as preparations were underway to transfer him home for care, Ebert smiled at his family and died peacefully at a rehabilitation facility, without struggle or reported pain. Chaz Ebert, present at his side, later described the moment in a public statement as a "quiet, dignified transition," noting that he had conveyed a sense of having lived a "great and full life" amid the exhaustion of his illness. She promptly issued an official announcement of his passing, emphasizing their shared partnership and his enduring legacy as a .

Leadership in Ebert Media Enterprises

Assuming CEO Roles Post-2013

Following Roger Ebert's death on April 4, 2013, Chaz Ebert assumed executive leadership of the family's media ventures, becoming president of The Ebert Company Ltd. and CEO of Ebert Digital LLC, the entity responsible for publishing . These roles formalized her prior involvement as vice president of The Ebert Company Ltd. since 1989, enabling seamless business succession amid the critic's ongoing health challenges that had begun in 2002. Ebert Digital LLC, established in partnership with prior to his passing, continued operations focused on digital content creation and archival preservation. Chaz Ebert's strategic oversight emphasized operational continuity and adaptation to shifts. The website, initially expanded before 2013 to include reviews, features, and interactive elements, saw further modernization under her direction, such as a comprehensive redesign launched on , 2020, aimed at improving and while safeguarding Roger Ebert's original writings and voice. This evolution addressed challenges in maintaining authenticity amid evolving online platforms, with Ebert publicly committing to honoring her husband's legacy through curated content that balanced archival integrity with contemporary utility. No public company filings detail specific revenue or traffic metrics, but the site's persistence as a primary film review hub reflects sustained viability post-succession.

Management of RogerEbert.com and Digital Assets

Following Roger Ebert's death in April 2013, Chaz Ebert assumed responsibility for the ongoing operations of as publisher through Ebert Digital LLC, ensuring the continuation of daily reviews and editorial content by an expanded team of contributors. Under her management, the site has maintained a roster of professional critics, including editors like Brian Tallerico and , who produce thousands of reviews annually while adhering to the platform's established standards of thoughtful analysis over simplistic star ratings. Ebert has played a direct role in curating new voices through the Roger Ebert Fellows program, launched post-2013 to identify and support emerging film critics, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, via scholarships and publication opportunities at events like Sundance and . Fellows such as Walker King have contributed reviews and essays, with Ebert overseeing selections to foster diverse perspectives while preserving the site's focus on substantive criticism. In , this curation extended to structural changes, including gender-balanced hiring and the appointment of Seitz as to broaden the contributor base without diluting editorial rigor. Digital assets under Ebert's oversight include the site's , such as archived reviews and branding, integrated into a subscription model via Ebert Prime, which offers ad-free access and exclusive content to sustain operations amid evolving online media landscapes. The platform has adapted to 2020s trends by emphasizing web-based expansions like contributor essays and festival coverage, though it has avoided heavy reliance on podcasts or mobile apps, prioritizing core review integrity over rapid tech pivots. This approach balances commercial needs—through subscriptions and sponsorships—with Roger's original ethos of accessible, opinionated criticism, as evidenced by sustained annual output of top-ten lists and thematic features into 2024.

Involvement in Film Production and Criticism

Producing and Executive Roles

Chaz Ebert has held credits on multiple independent films, often supporting debut or early-career directors. She served as for Selah and the Spades (2019), a coming-of-age directed by Tayarisha Poe in her debut. Similarly, Ebert Passing (2021), Rebecca Hall's directorial debut adaptation of Nella Larsen's novel, focusing on racial identity and passing in 1920s Harlem. Other credits include Mr. Soul! (2018), a documentary on public television producer Ellis Haizlip and Soul! (1968–1973), and The Empire of Ebony (date unspecified in available records), highlighting Black cinema history. Through Ebert Productions, Ebert has extended her producing efforts to television, including as for Ebert Presents: At the Movies, a series continuing Roger Ebert's format with hosts like and . These roles emphasize her business oversight in securing funding and distribution for narrative and documentary projects aligned with underrepresented voices, distinct from critical evaluation. Ebert has leveraged industry networks to foster production opportunities, attending the 2025 to host panels on empathy-driven filmmaking and interview debut directors such as Elizabeth Guest. Her presence facilitated discussions on purpose-driven projects, connecting producers and filmmakers in a key market for emerging talent.

Contributions to Film Reviews and Festivals

Chaz Ebert contributes to via regular posts in her "Chaz's Journal" on , offering evaluative commentary on movies through personal reflections rather than formal star ratings. In a May 2013 entry, she lamented the absence of Roger Ebert's critiques and speculated on his likely views of releases like , noting its exploration of post-traumatic stress. Her writings frequently highlight empathetic storytelling and social themes; for example, in her December 2017 favorite films list, she praised films for strong acting and direction while critiquing intense depictions of embodied by groups like the . In November 2022, she detailed the year's most joyful and angst-inducing viewing experiences, spotlighting overlooked titles and urging audiences not to miss them. Ebert co-founded and continues to host —initially launched in 1999 as Roger Ebert's Overlooked —with Nate Kohn, focusing curation on underappreciated works across formats and genres to foster discussion on overlooked cinema. The event, held annually each at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign-Urbana through 2025 before a announced reinvention, has screened over 200 films and hosted more than 400 guests by its 20th edition in 2018, drawing attendees from nationwide and internationally for panels, Q&As, and screenings that emphasize critical engagement. Her involvement ensures the festival's persistence post-Roger's 2013 death, maintaining its mission to elevate films ignored by mainstream distribution or awards circuits. Ebert mentors emerging critics through the Roger Ebert Fellowship program at the University of Illinois, selecting students annually to refine writing, interviewing, and analytical skills while providing access to festivals like Sundance. Established with the 2013 Roger Ebert Scholarship for Film Criticism in partnership with Sundance, the initiative sponsors fellows to major events, enabling hands-on experience in criticism amid growing diversity efforts in the field. By 2020, the program supported an expanding cohort of young journalists and critics, with Ebert personally advocating for their development through festival immersion and mentorship.

Emerging Directorial Work

In September 2022, during the FACETS Benefit where she received the Legend Award, Chaz Ebert announced her directorial debut on a centered on Szekely, a pioneer in health and fitness credited with founding the modern movement through her establishment of Rancho La Puerta, a renowned in in 1940. The project, titled Wellness Warrior, marks Ebert's transition from producing and executive roles to hands-on directing, driven by an interest in chronicling Szekely's enduring influence on holistic health practices amid her 100th birthday milestone earlier that year. By September 26, 2024, Ebert confirmed the film's completion, positioning it for its premiere screening at the later that month, with the documentary delving into Szekely's life story, including her co-founding of the wellness retreat that attracted celebrities and shaped contemporary fitness culture. As of this debut, no additional directing projects have been publicly detailed, reflecting Ebert's selective entry into the role despite her prior experience limited to production oversight rather than creative direction. This shift underscores a personal commitment to narrative-driven focused on inspirational figures, though industry observers note that newcomers without extensive on-set directing credentials often face hurdles in securing distribution and due to entrenched preferences for proven .

Philanthropic Efforts

Establishment and Direction of the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation

The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation was established in 2004 by film critic Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz Ebert in , with the initial aim of supporting -related charitable initiatives aligned with Roger's legacy in . The organization received tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the in August 2005, operating as a with EIN 59-3792097. Following Roger Ebert's death on April 4, 2013, Chaz Ebert assumed the role of president and director, overseeing an expansion of the foundation's scope while maintaining its core emphasis on film philanthropy. Under her direction, the foundation has prioritized administrative efficiency, with board members including Chaz Ebert (president), Sonia Evans (vice president), Eliot S. Ephraim (secretary), and David M. Ephraim (treasurer), all serving without compensation as of recent filings. The foundation's operational focus centers on enhancing access and for underserved youth, alongside broader support for arts and human services, primarily in . It maintains fiscal transparency through annual Form 990-PF filings with the IRS, publicly accessible via platforms like , reporting revenues such as $632,000 in 2023, though detailed budget allocations for programs remain internal to grant-making decisions.

Grants for Social Justice-Themed Films and Youth Programs

The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, under Ebert's leadership as president, has funded youth-oriented programs encouraging short films that address racial healing and equity. A primary initiative is the Film Contest, launched in 2021 in partnership with the Presidential Library and Museum, targeting filmmakers aged 11 to 21 divided into three brackets (11-14, 15-18, and 19-21). Participants submit live-action shorts of 3 to 7 minutes or animated works of at least 45 seconds exploring themes of racial reconciliation. The foundation assists in contest administration and winner selection, with cash prizes awarded as follows: $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third in each age group. In the inaugural contest, winners included Ackermann's "As We Are Planted" (first place, ages 19-21), which examines interracial family dynamics, and other entries like those addressing community dialogue on . The top ten films (first through third in each bracket) received at a awards event at the Presidential Library, featuring a red-carpet screening that provided exposure to young creators. These screenings enabled audience engagement with youth perspectives on racial equity, though specific viewership metrics beyond the event attendance were not publicly detailed. Beyond youth initiatives, the foundation has allocated grants to documentaries and films emphasizing themes, prioritizing projects that tackle equity and societal inequities. These awards support independent filmmakers in and align with Ebert's broader commitment to purpose-driven , often resulting in festival screenings or distribution that amplifies marginalized voices. Specific outcomes include enhanced visibility for recipients through nonprofit partnerships, though detailed recipient lists and quantitative impacts like total audience reach remain limited in .

Evaluation of Impact and Potential Biases in Funding Priorities

The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation's grants have primarily targeted films and programs emphasizing themes, such as racial healing and empowerment of underrepresented filmmakers, including youth contests for short films promoting these issues since at least 2021. This focus has contributed to greater visibility for minority voices in , as seen in the foundation's support for projects aiding women and people of color in breaking industry barriers, aligning with broader philanthropic efforts in arts. However, independent evaluations of grant efficacy remain limited, with withholding a rating due to the absence of formalized , , or assessments as of recent reviews. Critiques of funding priorities highlight a potential ideological tilt, as grant descriptions consistently prioritize "strong social justice themes," which empirically correlate with progressive narratives on , , and , while no documented allocations address conservative viewpoints or neutral explorations of cultural issues. This pattern risks sidelining diverse cinematic perspectives, echoing broader concerns in where thematic mandates can constrain artistic , though specific instances of rejected conservative-leaning projects are unavailable in . Filmmaker testimonials affirming exist anecdotally through foundation channels, but verifiable viewership or long-term cultural impact data for funded works is sparse, precluding robust causal attribution of success to grants alone. In comparison to larger film philanthropies like the , which disbursed over $20 million in across broader and narrative support with documented festival outcomes, the Ebert Foundation's smaller scale—focused on Chicago-centric initiatives—yields no publicly available donation-to-impact ratios, underscoring a need for in measuring efficiency against peers. The foundation's efficacy thus appears tied to niche rather than widespread , with biases potentially amplified by unexamined with institutional norms favoring causes over ideologically balanced funding.

Publications and Intellectual Contributions

Authored Books on Personal and Social Themes

Chaz Ebert authored It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through , , , and , published on May 7, 2024, by BenBella Books. The book introduces the FECK framework—standing for , , , and —as core values essential for and fostering societal unity, emphasizing their application in overcoming personal and collective challenges. Ebert illustrates these principles through autobiographical reflections, including her to and the loss of film critic , alongside broader narratives of resilience drawn from historical and contemporary figures who embodied FECK amid adversity. The text functions as a self-help guide, advocating self-compassion alongside interpersonal kindness to address modern divisions, with chapters dedicated to each principle's practical implementation in daily life and relationships. It features a foreword by television host Tamron Hall and has received endorsements from figures in media and philanthropy for its motivational tone, though specific sales figures or bestseller rankings were not publicly detailed in initial coverage. This marks Ebert's debut full-length authored work focused on these themes, distinct from her editorial contributions to Roger Ebert's writings.

Journalistic Writings and Blog Posts

Chaz Ebert maintains a regular presence on through her "Chaz's Journal" feature, where she authors concise blog posts and video dispatches focused on film-related events, personal reflections tied to cinema, and industry observations. These writings, distinct from her longer-form books, emphasize timely, platform-driven commentary, often under 1,000 words, and have appeared sporadically since the site's early days but increased in frequency after Roger Ebert's death on April 4, 2013. Early post-2013 entries, such as "I Miss Roger's Reviews" published on May 5, 2013, expressed her longing for his analytical voice while speculating on his potential takes on contemporary releases like , blending grief with film critique. By 2015, contributions like "Memories of Roger: My Photo Journal from the Last Two Years" incorporated multimedia elements, including photos and links, to document her stewardship of his film legacy amid personal transitions. This evolution marked a shift from occasional tributes to sustained output, with dozens of posts by 2025 covering thematic intersections of personal experience and cinematic storytelling. A prominent theme in her journalistic work involves film festivals, where she provides on-the-ground recaps and insights. For the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Ebert delivered a series of video blogs under "Chaz at Cannes," culminating in a June 9, 2025, wrap-up that detailed her engagements, from critic roundtables to discussions on festival logistics like cell phone policies and filmmaker interviews. Earlier Cannes coverage, such as panels on empathy as a "machine that generates" audience connection—drawing from Roger Ebert's phrasing—highlighted her focus on how films foster emotional realism through narrative craft. Similar brevity characterizes her posts on events like the ILLUMINATE Film Festival, where a April 25, 2025, entry previewed its role in spotlighting empathetic indie works as a keynote participant. Her posts frequently weave autobiographical elements into film analysis, such as reflections on resilience in viewing post-loss, as in the April 3, 2023, piece marking the tenth anniversary of Roger Ebert's passing, which tied personal healing to cinema's restorative power without delving into extended memoir. This approach underscores a consistent emphasis on film's capacity for insight over rote reviewing, positioning her contributions as accessible extensions of the Ebert brand's humanistic lens.

Activism and Public Commentary

Advocacy for Civility and FECK Principles

Chaz Ebert developed the FECK principles—standing for , , , and —as a framework for elevating human interactions and restoring in public discourse, drawing from personal experiences and philosophical reflections outlined in her 2024 book It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through , , , and . The book, published on May 7, 2024, posits these values as actionable tools to counteract , emphasizing their application beyond personal relationships to broader societal contexts like political . In July 2024, Ebert extended the principles to political engagement by urging candidates and elected officials to pledge adherence as a means to foster respectful and reduce acrimony in governance. On July 12, 2024, she announced this initiative through a public call, encouraging politicians to commit to using FECK in communications and decision-making to model unity and de-escalate tensions without endorsing specific ideologies. The pledge emphasizes practical behaviors, such as prioritizing in debates and forgiving past grievances to enable constructive discussions, with the goal of influencing electoral behavior ahead of the 2024 cycle. To promote adoption, Ebert launched the national Awards on October 15, 2025, timed to coincide with the approaching 50th anniversary of the Siskel & Ebert television program, which she credits with inspiring collaborative critique as a model for civil disagreement. The awards recognize individuals demonstrating FECK in everyday actions, with nominations open to the public for categories honoring , , , or , aiming to create measurable visibility through annual honorees and potential panel discussions on implementation. This effort seeks empirical traction by highlighting verifiable examples, though as of late 2025, early metrics on pledge uptake or award impacts remain forthcoming from ongoing tracking via her GiveAFECK platform.

Political Engagements and Partisan Positions

In August 2020, Ebert curated and published a list of ten "must-read" books on her at , explicitly warning against then-President and detailing reasons for his electoral defeat, framing the selections as essential informed reading ahead of the November election. In September 2020, she followed with another post recommending six additional books that declared unfit for , reinforcing the call to vote him out. Ebert has expressed partisan support for Democratic candidates, including a July 2016 blog post celebrating Hillary Clinton's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate, describing her as the most qualified individual for the role based on experience and historic significance. Following 's 2016 election victory, she recommended films and franchises in January 2017 to alleviate "post-Trump stress disorder" among figures and audiences, selecting titles emphasizing and . In December 2016, she highlighted movies with themes of hope and endurance as aids to navigate the early presidency. These engagements contrast with Ebert's broader promotion of the FECK principles—, , , and —as universal tools for political , as detailed in her May 2024 book It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through , , , and and subsequent calls for candidates to pledge adherence. Her selective focus on critiquing Trump-era policies and figures, without equivalent public lists or commentary targeting Democratic administrations, has prompted questions about the non-partisan application of her civility framework, though Ebert maintains FECK as applicable across divides.

Broader Social Causes and Public Speaking

Chaz Ebert has promoted as a universal social value through the annual Day4Empathy initiative, launched in 2018 to commemorate Roger Ebert's legacy by encouraging public acts of understanding and connection irrespective of differences. This observance includes community events and online calls for compassionate actions, positioning as a tool for societal beyond partisan lines. In response to the , Ebert adapted Day4Empathy messaging in April 2020 to stress collective health, safety, and interpersonal compassion during isolation and uncertainty, urging participants to prioritize mutual support in crisis. Her public statements emphasized resilience and kindness as essential for navigating challenges, without endorsing specific policies. Ebert has delivered keynote addresses and talks at non-political venues, such as the Public Library's Golden Gala in October 2025, focusing on themes of human unity, literacy access, and everyday goodness to foster community bonds. In collaborations like discussions surrounding James's 2014 documentary Life Itself, she addressed personal recovery from severe illness, highlighting caregiving demands and emotional endurance as models for broader advocacy. These appearances underscore her emphasis on individual and relational support in health contexts.

Awards, Honors, and Recognition

Professional and Humanitarian Accolades

In 2011, Chaz Ebert received the Focus Achievement Award from Chicago, recognizing her early contributions to the film industry and advocacy for women in media. In 2019, she was named the Beethoven Laureate by the League of American Orchestras for her role as a champion of humanity through cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Ebert's legal career prior to her film-related work earned her designation as Lawyer of the Year from the Constitutional Rights Foundation, honoring her professional excellence in civil liberties advocacy during her time as an attorney. In 2022, she was awarded the FACETS Legend Award by FACETS Chicago at its Screen Gems Benefit, acknowledging her filmanthropy, including support for independent cinema and youth film education programs. That same year, the Black Reel Awards presented her with the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award for her efforts in promoting diverse and compassionate storytelling in film through the Ebert Foundation's initiatives, such as the Ebert Humanitarian Award given annually to filmmakers depicting human resilience. In 2023, the University of Illinois Alumni Association bestowed upon Ebert its Honorary Alumna Award, citing her managerial success in sustaining RogerEbert.com as a premier film criticism platform while advancing empathetic discourse in media. These recognitions highlight Ebert's transition from legal practice to film philanthropy, emphasizing merit-based achievements in professional management and humanitarian film support rather than self-instituted honors.

Recent Developments in 2024-2025

In 2024, Chaz Ebert promoted her book It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness, emphasizing its principles as tools for fostering civility amid social divisions, through interviews and public discussions. She also made her directorial debut with the documentary Wellness Warrior, which chronicles the development of a celebrity wellness retreat, announced on September 26. Additionally, Ebertfest, which she co-founded and hosts, received the 2024 Tourism Impact Award from Experience Champaign-Urbana for its economic contributions. In 2025, Ebert participated actively at the Cannes Film Festival, hosting a panel on "What Does Empathy Look Like On the Big Screen?" and producing video segments covering award winners, critic roundtables, and interviews with filmmakers. Ebertfest 2025 featured films promoting empathy, opening with The Searchers—the festival's first Western screening—and included discussions on FECK-aligned themes. On October 15, 2025, Ebert launched the inaugural FECK Awards, a national initiative to recognize individuals or organizations exemplifying , , , or , with nominations open through December 1 via giveafeck.com. Tied to the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation's mission, the awards expand outreach by incentivizing real-world applications of FECK principles, coinciding with the approaching 50th anniversary of Siskel & Ebert.

References

  1. [1]
    Chaz Ebert's Biography - The HistoryMakers
    Lawyer and entertainment manager Chaz Ebert was born on October 15, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois to Johnnie Hobbs Hammel and Wiley Hammel, Sr.
  2. [2]
    Roger loves Chaz | Roger Ebert
    Dec 14, 2012 · Roger and Chaz Ebert's wedding was held on July 18th, 1992. Here is a reprint of a blog posted by Chaz to commemorate it.
  3. [3]
    Winter 2023 - CHAZ EBERT - Illinois Alumni Magazine
    Born in Chicago, Chaz graduated from the University of Dubuque (Iowa) in 1972 with a degree in political science. She earned her JD from DePaul University in ...
  4. [4]
    My wife Chaz, the television personality - Roger Ebert
    Mar 21, 2013 · I even proposed marriage to her, in 1990 during Cannes. There's a story there. On the last Sunday of the festival, when just about everything ...
  5. [5]
    Chaz Ebert biography & movie reviews
    Chaz is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including the President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of RogerEbert.com.
  6. [6]
    About - Chaz Ebert
    Chaz Ebert is the CEO of Ebert Digital LLC, publisher of the preeminent movie review site RogerEbert.com; also legal adviser and TV and movie producer at Ebert ...
  7. [7]
    Chaz Ebert | Official Publisher Page - Simon & Schuster
    Chaz Ebert is an active producer of television and movies, and the CEO of Ebert Digital LLC—publisher of the preeminent movie review site, Rogerebert.com.
  8. [8]
    Chaz Ebert: Home
    PhD, Yale Lecturer & Author of The Happiness Track and Sovereign. “Bravo, Chaz Ebert, for rising to the occasion to share such an incredibly hopeful and ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  9. [9]
    Chaz Ebert comfortable as 'mysterious woman,' but steps into ...
    Apr 20, 2010 · The wife of movie critic Roger Ebert, Chaz draws on her legal background in her role as vice president of the Ebert Company. In that position ...
  10. [10]
    Q&A – Chaz Ebert Author – It's Time to Give a FECK - N'DIGO
    Jul 8, 2024 · I feel that I was very fortunate to be born in the family I was born in because I had a loving mother, a loving father, and loving sisters and ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  11. [11]
    Winter 2023 - CHAZ EBERT - Illinois Alumni Magazine
    Born in Chicago, Chaz graduated from the University of Dubuque (Iowa) in 1972 with a degree in political science. She earned her JD from DePaul University in ...
  12. [12]
    Notable Law Alumni - Chicago - DePaul University College of Law
    Notable Law Alumni ; ​Chaz Ebert (JD '77). CEO & Publisher, Ebert Digital (RogerEbert.com). ​The Honorable John J. Stamos (JD '48). Former Cook County State's ...
  13. [13]
    SPOTLIGHT April 2019: Chaz Ebert, Filmanthropist and Activist
    Mar 31, 2019 · “If it's a great movie, it lets you understand a little bit more about what it's like to be a different gender, a different race, a different ...
  14. [14]
    Chaz Ebert Gets Legend Award As She Works On Directorial Debut
    Sep 28, 2022 · Ebert began her career as an attorney, working as a litigator for the Environmental Protection Agency, and later in private practice. In ...
  15. [15]
    Bubba Wallace Makes NASCAR History By Toppling Confederate ...
    Jul 13, 2020 · I was encouraged by my first husband, Merle Smith, who loved cars and even taught me to look under the hood and repair them. My former ...
  16. [16]
    Taking it Personally: On Life Itself and Missing Roger Ebert
    Jan 31, 2023 · (Roger's drinking was well known in its day, but Chaz reveals her alcoholism for the first time here.) ... Mentioned This Article: Chaz Ebert Gene ...
  17. [17]
    'Life Itself' a warts-and-all look at the life of critic Roger Ebert
    Aug 15, 2014 · ... Chaz Ebert; Siskel's widow, Marlene Iglitzen, and the show's producers. ... His earlier years had been marked by alcoholism and what friend ...
  18. [18]
    Ebert meets match with wife Chaz - Variety
    Sep 5, 2007 · In fact, Chaz remembers events unfolding quite smoothly that night in 1989 when Roger spotted her for the first time across the room at ...
  19. [19]
    Roger Ebert, a Shining Light for Addicts Everywhere, Dies at Age 70
    In his personal experience, Roger Ebert found solace and strength through Alcoholics Anonymous. He encouraged those struggling with alcohol addiction to ...Ebert's Battle With Alcohol · Seeking Help From Aa · Ebert's Personal And...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  20. [20]
    'Life Itself': An Unflinching Documentary Of Roger Ebert's Life ... - NPR
    Jul 3, 2014 · ... Chaz Ebert, who was married to Roger for 21 years and is the ... civil rights attorney and did some equal employment opportunity work ...
  21. [21]
    The Beauty Of “Life Itself,” The Roger Ebert Documentary Brimming ...
    Jul 21, 2014 · The bond between Chaz and Ebert came later – the two met after an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Chicago in 1989. ... she met a gracious Ebert.
  22. [22]
    Flu Hits Early in U.S.; Interview with Widow of Roger Ebert.
    Dec 31, 2014 · You met at Alcoholics Anonymous. EBERT: We met at a restaurant. He saw me at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. BALDWIN: He saw you. EBERT: Yes.
  23. [23]
    Chaz Ebert, wife of film critic Roger Ebert, talks ... - ABC7 Chicago
    Sep 28, 2022 · She embraces cinema in all aspects of her career and told Hosea Sanders how her late husband, film critic Roger Ebert, still inspires her life.
  24. [24]
    https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/04/roger-eberts-devastated-widow-says-their-life-was-more-epic-than-a-movie
  25. [25]
    The story of Roger Ebert through the prism of his wife, Chaz
    Oct 5, 2015 · But when Ebert met Hammelsmith, they both were affluent Chicagoans. One of them was very famous. They are therefore not emblematic of your ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Ebert has another surgery | Scanners
    Dec 14, 2012 · Ebert had surgery to remove a malignant tumor on his thyroid gland in 2002 and two surgeries on his salivary gland in 2003. Unlike those earlier ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  27. [27]
    Roger Ebert's Candidness With Cancer Made Him a 'Role Model' for ...
    Apr 3, 2013 · Ebert was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002 and then with recurring salivary gland growths a year later. In 2006, he lost his ...Missing: loss | Show results with:loss
  28. [28]
    Roger Ebert's New Voice - Oprah.com
    Another blow came in 2002, when Roger was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which later spread to his salivary glands and jaw. He endured surgery after surgery, ...Missing: loss speech
  29. [29]
    Roger Ebert: 'I'm happy I don't look worse' - The Guardian
    Nov 5, 2011 · Roger Ebert is regarded as one of the greatest film critics in the world. But after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002, he was left unable to speak, ...
  30. [30]
    Roger Ebert takes 'leave of presence' to deal with recurrence of cancer
    Apr 3, 2013 · Ebert was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002 and underwent a series of surgeries related to the illness. Complications following a 2006 ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  31. [31]
    Chaz Ebert: Tired Of Cancer Fight, Ebert Said He Had 'Lived A Great ...
    Apr 4, 2013 · "Roger was a beloved husband, stepfather to Sonia and Jay, and grandfather to Raven, Emil, Mark and Joseph. Just yesterday he was saying how ...Missing: stepchildren | Show results with:stepchildren
  32. [32]
    A statement from Chaz Ebert | Chaz's Journal
    Apr 5, 2013 · Chaz Ebert issued the following statement Thursday about the passing of her husband, Roger Ebert, a day after he celebrated 46 years as a film critic.Missing: stepchildren | Show results with:stepchildren
  33. [33]
    Chaz Ebert issues statement on the death of her 'beloved husband ...
    Apr 4, 2013 · "I am devastated by the loss of my love, Roger -- my husband, my friend, my confidante and oh-so-brilliant partner of over 20 years. He fought a ...
  34. [34]
    Moving Forward | Chaz's Journal | Roger Ebert
    May 13, 2013 · Chaz is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including the President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of ...Missing: ages | Show results with:ages
  35. [35]
    Ebert Digital
    Prior to working for the Ebert Company, she was a practicing civil rights attorney, and was named Lawyer of the Year by the Constitutional Rights Foundation.
  36. [36]
    Welcome to the Newly Redesigned RogerEbert.com | Chaz's Journal
    Aug 22, 2020 · A letter from Chaz Ebert about the newly redesigned RogerEbert.com.
  37. [37]
    Chaz Ebert's mission goes on - Chicago Tribune
    Jan 10, 2014 · James says when he approached Ebert about basing a documentary on his autobiography, “he was intrigued with the whole idea and got on board.
  38. [38]
    Creating a media property worthy of Roger Ebert's legacy - TXI Digital
    Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz Ebert wanted to build a website that would serve as an archive, a conversation about movies, and a platform to invite and ...Missing: decisions | Show results with:decisions
  39. [39]
    Roger Ebert's Wife Reflects On His Passing One Year Later
    Apr 4, 2014 · A year before his death, he created rogerebert.com. Chaz now runs the website, which features reviews and features about film. Ebert's ...Missing: CEO | Show results with:CEO
  40. [40]
    About the site - Roger Ebert
    Ever since the passing of the site's co-founder and namesake, Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert, in 2013, it has been run by his wife, Chaz Ebert.
  41. [41]
    Contributors - Roger Ebert
    Chaz Ebert. Chaz is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including the President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of ...
  42. [42]
    RogerEbert.com Gender Balances Roster of Film Critics to Uplift ...
    Aug 1, 2018 · Ebert will assume the role of editor-in-chief of the premier film criticism site she co-founded with her late husband, beloved film critic ...
  43. [43]
    Celebrating Our Ebert Fellows in Quarantine | Chaz's Journal
    Apr 27, 2020 · Recipients of the first Roger Ebert Scholarship for Film Criticism at Sundance are pictured below, and you can find a round-up of our Fellows' ...Missing: operations | Show results with:operations
  44. [44]
    The Ebert Fellows on Ebertfest 2022 | Festivals & Awards
    May 4, 2022 · We are pleased to present the following essays written by the 2022 Ebert Fellows about their experiences at this year's Ebertfest.Missing: operations | Show results with:operations
  45. [45]
    Ebert Fellows at Ebertfest 2017 | Chaz's Journal
    Mar 31, 2017 · Walker King was a 2017 Roger Ebert Fellow for Film Criticism and attended the 2017 Sundance Film Festival with RogerEbert.com. Born in Portland, ...
  46. [46]
    Movie reviews and ratings by Film Critic Roger Ebert | Roger Ebert
    If the culture is regressing back to tame Hallmark-style love stories that prize tears over complexity, brace yourself for more schmaltz to come.Reviews · Join Ebert Prime · Chaz's Journal · Great MoviesMissing: growth | Show results with:growth
  47. [47]
    Two Thumbs Up! The Individual Top Tens of 2024 - Roger Ebert
    Dec 12, 2024 · Chaz Ebert: As Roger Ebert would have said “Two Thumbs Up” for our Top Ten Lists! For a Film Critic, putting together a Top Ten Best Movies ...
  48. [48]
    Happy New Year from Chaz Ebert and All of Us at RogerEbert.com
    Jan 1, 2025 · Chaz is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including the President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of ...
  49. [49]
    Chaz Ebert, CEO of RogerEbert.com, Makes Directorial Debut with ...
    Sep 26, 2024 · Chaz Ebert, president of Ebert Digital LLC and CEO of RogerEbert.com, is stepping into the director's chair for the first time.Missing: Company Ltd filings
  50. [50]
    Chaz Ebert Movies and TV Shows - Plex
    Producer · 3 credits ; 2021. Passing · as Executive Producer ; 2019. Selah and the Spades · as Executive Producer ; 2018. Mr. Soul! · as Executive Producer ...Missing: films | Show results with:films
  51. [51]
    Chaz Ebert - Ebertfest
    Chaz Ebert is the CEO of Ebert Digital LLC, which publishes the movie review site, RogerEbert.com. She also produces television and movies at Ebert Productions.Missing: practice | Show results with:practice
  52. [52]
    Chaz at Cannes - Roger Ebert
    Jason Gorber and Chaz Ebert on highlghts from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. ... Chaz Ebert and Esteemed Panelists Discuss Purpose-Driven Filmmaking at Cannes ...
  53. [53]
    Chaz Ebert to host panel about empathy in filmmaking at Cannes ...
    Chaz Ebert to host panel about empathy in filmmaking at Cannes Film Festival ... Interview with Award-Winning Producer Mark Foligno @ 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
  54. [54]
    Cannes 2025 Video #7: Critics' Roundtable - Roger Ebert
    Jun 2, 2025 · In this video, critics Ben Kenigsberg, Robert Daniels, and Siddhant Adlakha speak with Chaz about their findings on the festival's offerings.
  55. [55]
    I Miss Roger's Reviews | Chaz's Journal - Roger Ebert
    May 5, 2013 · ... Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the ... sobriety, but I did and have (nearly a year and a half now). I ...
  56. [56]
    My Favorite Films of 2017 | Chaz's Journal | Roger Ebert
    Dec 7, 2017 · The film is extremely well-acted, written and directed, but its portrayal of racism personified by the KKK was nearly too much for me to bear.Missing: critiques | Show results with:critiques
  57. [57]
    The Most—and Least—Fun I've Had At the Movies All Year
    Nov 28, 2022 · RogerEbert.com publisher Chaz Ebert reveals one movie that brought joy, one that caused angst, and five others you shouldn't overlook, ...Missing: critiques | Show results with:critiques
  58. [58]
    History & Mission | Ebertfest
    Ebertfest takes place in Urbana-Champaign each April. Chaz Ebert, Roger's beloved wife, business partner and fellow film-lover, is the festival co-founder, ...
  59. [59]
    Ebertfest Insider | Stories From Behind The Curtain - Publish
    Apr 23, 2019 · As of Ebertfest's 20th Anniversary in 2018, the festival has shown over two hundred films, hosted over four hundred guests and trained hundreds ...
  60. [60]
    Joy: My Memories of Ebertfest | Chaz's Journal - Roger Ebert
    Mar 25, 2021 · In addition to celebrated films, the festival presents cinematic works overlooked by audiences, critics or distributors, and academic panels ...
  61. [61]
    Roger Ebert Fellowship - College of Media
    Roger Ebert Fellows gain knowledge and experience in arts criticism they can use in both their academic and future media careers.
  62. [62]
    Roger Ebert Scholarship Program for Young Critics Goes to Sundance
    Jan 16, 2014 · On June 5, 2013, the Sundance Institute announced the establishment of the Roger Ebert Scholarship for Film Criticism, in memory of Roger Ebert.
  63. [63]
    Deborah Szekely, the Godmother of Health and Fitness, is 100 years ...
    Deborah Szekely, the Godmother of Health and Fitness, is 100 years old and Here is What She Thinks About It! Chaz Ebert. May 4, 2022. 4 min read.
  64. [64]
    Chaz Ebert to Make Directorial Debut with 'Wellness Warrior' Doc
    Sep 26, 2024 · Ebert, who is the wife of legendary late critic Roger Ebert, directs documentary “Wellness Warrior” about the creation of celebrity wellness retreat Rancho La ...Missing: centenarian fitness pioneer
  65. [65]
    Chaz Ebert - IMDb
    When was Chaz Ebert born? October 15, 1952. Where was Chaz Ebert born? USA. What is Chaz Ebert's birth name? Charlie Hammel-Smith. What is Chaz Ebert known for?Missing: Charlene | Show results with:Charlene
  66. [66]
    Roger & Chaz Ebert Foundation
    Jun 11, 2025 · Established in 2004 in IL - Founded by the late Roger J. Ebert, who was a well-known film critic. He was known for his film review columns ...
  67. [67]
    Two Thumbs Up: How Roger Ebert's Legacy Lives on Through ...
    May 28, 2017 · He and his wife established the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation in 2004, well before the film critic's death from cancer in April 2013.<|separator|>
  68. [68]
    Roger & Chaz Ebert Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica
    Roger & Chaz Ebert Foundation. Chicago, IL; Tax-exempt since Aug. 2005; EIN: 59 ... Chaz Ebert (President & Director), $0, $0. Sonia Evans (Vice President ...Missing: establishment | Show results with:establishment
  69. [69]
    Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation | Inside Philanthropy
    Jan 30, 2025 · The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation mainly supports film in Chicago, but also awards grants to an array of arts and human services causes across the city.Missing: youth budget
  70. [70]
    Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Ebert Foundation ...
    Jan 27, 2021 · The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation will help run the contest and select winners in three age groups. The project is funded through the Abraham ...
  71. [71]
    No Malice Film Contest for Children and Young Adults
    Feb 6, 2021 · Young filmmakers between the ages of 11 and 21 are invited to create short films that explore and promote racial healing. The Roger and Chaz ...Missing: budget | Show results with:budget
  72. [72]
    Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation
    Young filmmakers between the ages of 11 and 21 are invited to create short films that explore and promote racial healing.
  73. [73]
    The Winners of the Inaugural No Malice Film Contest are Revealed
    Jul 9, 2021 · “Racial healing begins with an acknowledgement of the problem and ... “Roger Ebert Loved Movies” In Memoriam 1942 - 2013. Photo of Roger ...Missing: grants equity
  74. [74]
    Abe Lincoln No Malice Awards Celebrate Young Filmmakers At ...
    Sep 22, 2021 · The event honored the work of ten remarkable filmmakers, ages 11-21, who are the winners of The No Malice Film Contest, presented by the ...
  75. [75]
    No Malice Film Contest: Springfield youths win money, exposure
    "Racial healing begins with an acknowledgement of the problem and a willingness to work hand-in-hand toward a solution,” said Chaz Ebert, president of The Roger ...Missing: equity | Show results with:equity
  76. [76]
    Judging the No Malice Film Contest | Festivals & Awards - Roger Ebert
    Jul 10, 2021 · The entire Panel of Judges was tasked with judging the entries based on how they addressed the issue of racial healing in creative, engaging and ...Missing: grants short equity<|separator|>
  77. [77]
    A Facets Gem: Chaz Ebert | Classic Chicago Magazine
    Sep 24, 2022 · “I grew up in a family of nine children, and it was very costly for ... Ebert is a life trustee of the Art Institute and serves on the ...Missing: background childhood South Side
  78. [78]
    Roger & Chaz Ebert Foundation | Charity Navigator Profile
    Currently, we require either an Accountability & Finance beacon or an Impact assessment to be eligible for a Charity Navigator rating. Note: The absence of a ...
  79. [79]
    Chaz Ebert and Esteemed Panelists Discuss Purpose-Driven ...
    May 19, 2024 · Panel participants include Darrien Gipson, Executive Director of SAGIndie, Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, Eric Pierson, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  80. [80]
    It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness ...
    30-day returnsForgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness—these four fundamental human values are the key to unlocking great unity and humanity. In It's Time to Give a ...
  81. [81]
    It's Time to Give a FECK | Book by Chaz Ebert, Tamron Hall
    4–8 day deliveryForgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness—these four fundamental human values are the key to unlocking great unity and humanity. In It's Time to Give a ...
  82. [82]
    Chaz Ebert's new book explains why 'It's Time to Give a FECK'
    May 6, 2024 · Chaz Ebert's first book shares the importance of forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness, inspired by work with her late husband Roger Ebert.Missing: practice | Show results with:practice
  83. [83]
    Chaz Ebert discusses new book, "It's Time to Give a FECK"
    May 7, 2024 · Chaz Ebert and Roger Ebert. Q. The book talks about not only having compassion for others, but also for yourself.
  84. [84]
    It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness ...
    Dec 21, 2024 · My book, It's Time to Give a FECK, is filled with the principles of Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness—and I'd love for you to join ...
  85. [85]
    Chaz's Journal - Roger Ebert
    Chaz is the Publisher of RogerEbert.com and a regular contributor to the site, writing about film, festivals, politics, and life itself.
  86. [86]
    Memories of Roger: My Photo Journal from the Last Two Years
    Mar 27, 2015 · A gallery of photos, videos and links illustrating Chaz's journey relating to Roger's legacy in the two years since his death.Missing: operations | Show results with:operations
  87. [87]
    Cannes 2025 Video #9: Wrap Up | Chaz at Cannes - Roger Ebert
    Jun 9, 2025 · Chaz Ebert recounts her experience at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, from cell phone usage to panels to chats with critics and correspondents also attending ...
  88. [88]
    Chaz Ebert Says ILLUMINATE Film Festival Will Help Light The Way
    Apr 25, 2025 · Chaz Ebert will be on hand as this year's keynote speaker for the festival's ILLUMINATE Industry Hive event, which will take place May 1, 2025, ...
  89. [89]
    A Return to the Presence of Love | Chaz's Journal | Roger Ebert
    Apr 3, 2023 · RogerEbert.com publisher Chaz Ebert reflects on the tenth anniversary of her late husband's passing.Missing: activities | Show results with:activities
  90. [90]
    Our Favorite Roger Reviews: Do the Right Thing | Chaz's Journal
    Mar 30, 2022 · In celebration of Roger Ebert, we are reprinting the favorite reviews and articles of our writers and other distinguished readers…Missing: selecting | Show results with:selecting
  91. [91]
    Chaz Ebert's It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through ...
    May 7, 2024 · Chaz Ebert's It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness Launches Today (5/07/24).
  92. [92]
    Chaz Ebert Thinks It's Time to Give a FECK
    May 7, 2024 · The CEO of RogerEbert.com hopes to make forgiveness, empathy, compassion, and kindness go viral with her new book.<|separator|>
  93. [93]
    Chaz Ebert Calls for Candidates and Elected Officials to Give a ...
    Jul 12, 2024 · Entertainment industry leader and philanthropist Chaz Ebert today announced a bold initiative aimed at restoring civility in political discourse across the ...
  94. [94]
    Chaz Ebert Calls for Candidates and Elected Officials to Give a ...
    Jul 12, 2024 · Press release from Entertainment Industry Leader, Philanthropist Urges Politicians to Embrace the FECK Principles: Forgiveness, Empathy, ...
  95. [95]
    Chaz Ebert Launches National Awards to Honor Acts of Forgiveness ...
    Oct 15, 2025 · One individual or organization will be honored in each of the four FECK categories: Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness. Submissions ...
  96. [96]
    Chaz Ebert Launches National Awards to Honor Acts of Forgiveness ...
    Oct 15, 2025 · Chaz Ebert Launches National Awards to Honor Acts of Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness as Siskel & Ebert Approaches 50th ...
  97. [97]
    You Can Judge a Book By Its Cover: These Say Vote An End to This ...
    Aug 20, 2020 · An article about ten must-read books warning against our current president Donald Trump and detailing why he must be defeated.Missing: motivations | Show results with:motivations
  98. [98]
    Six Books That Raise A Five-Alarm Warning Against the President
    Sep 16, 2020 · Chaz is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including the President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of ...
  99. [99]
    Hooray for Hillary: Commander-in-Chief | Chaz's Journal | Roger Ebert
    ... aspirations. (And she did it even though her own ... political science major at Wellesley College ... Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and ...
  100. [100]
    Chaz Ebert Picks 13 Films (and Franchises) to Cure Hollywood's ...
    Jan 19, 2017 · Politics News. Chaz Ebert Picks 13 Films (and Franchises) to Cure Hollywood's Post-Trump Stress Disorder. From Frank Capra's holiday classic ...
  101. [101]
    Films to Get Us Through The Trump Presidency | Chaz's Journal
    Dec 14, 2016 · Chaz Ebert highlights films with the potential to get us through the confusing political times of the Trump presidency.
  102. [102]
    Chaz Ebert's new book encourages conversations through political ...
    Jul 16, 2024 · It's time to give a "FECK." That's the title of the new book that aims to help us "restore civility to political discourse." The author of that ...
  103. [103]
    In Tribute To the Late, Beloved Roger Ebert, A 'Day for Empathy ...
    Apr 2, 2018 · Chaz Ebert co-founded the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation with her late husband, the acclaimed film critic and author, Roger Ebert. She is also ...
  104. [104]
    Day of empathy marks 5-year anniversary of Roger Ebert's death
    Apr 4, 2018 · Wednesday marks five years since the death of Chicago film critic Roger Ebert, and his widow Chaz Ebert is honoring the anniversary with a day of empathy.Missing: events | Show results with:events
  105. [105]
    Update: RogerEbert.com is Wishing You Health, Safety and ...
    Update: RogerEbert.com is Wishing You Health, Safety and Compassion During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Message for Day4Empathy, April 4th, 2020. Chaz Ebert.
  106. [106]
    RogerEbert.com is Wishing You Health, Safety and Compassion ...
    Apr 3, 2020 · Chaz Ebert's Day4Empathy message of 2020 on the seventh year after Roger Ebert's death and in light of the coronavirus pandemic.Missing: community aid
  107. [107]
    https://www.rogerebert.com/chazs-blog/chaz-ebert-to-host-two-upcoming-events-in-public-libraries
  108. [108]
    Chaz Ebert and Steve James Talk Ebert And Life Itself | Den of Geek
    Jul 7, 2014 · We sit down with Roger Ebert's wife, Chaz, and documentarian Steve James to discuss Roger's life and the new film, Life Itself.
  109. [109]
    'A Machine That Generates Empathy': Roger Ebert Gets His Own ...
    Jul 3, 2014 · ... Ebert and his wife Chaz were presented with some huge challenges in the last few years of his life that they handled rather remarkably, and ...
  110. [110]
    Chaz Ebert to Receive the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award | Features
    Feb 16, 2022 · RogerEbert.com Publisher Chaz Ebert has been selected by the Black Reel Awards to receive the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award for her ...
  111. [111]
    2023 alumni awards - University of Illinois Alumni Association
    Dec 14, 2023 · Born in Chicago, Chaz graduated from the University of Dubuque (Iowa) in 1972 with a degree in political science. She earned her JD from ...
  112. [112]
    Chaz Ebert, CEO of Rogerebert.com, makes directorial debut with ...
    Sep 26, 2024 · Chaz Ebert, CEO of Rogerebert.com, makes directorial debut with "Wellness Warrior". News provided by. RogerEbert.com. Sep 26, 2024, 09 ...Missing: progress | Show results with:progress
  113. [113]
    Ebertfest receives 2024 Tourism Impact Award from Experience ...
    May 16, 2024 · Ebertfest receives 2024 Tourism Impact Award from Experience Champaign-Urbana ... Chaz Ebert, co-founder, producer, and host of Ebertfest. “People ...
  114. [114]
    EBERTFEST 2025 brought stories of empathy to its audience
    May 11, 2025 · Chaz and Cohn were also joined at the post-screening panel by film producer Brandon Ferry and RogerEbert.com managing editor Brian Tallerico.
  115. [115]
    Chaz Ebert Launches National Awards to Honor Acts of Forgiveness ...
    Oct 15, 2025 · Chaz Ebert is the CEO of Ebert Digital LLC, publisher of the preeminent movie review site RogerEbert.com; TV and movie producer at Ebert ...