What was once Siskel & Ebert for years became known as Ebert & Roeper back in 2000 following Gene Siskel’s death (he died of a brain tumor).
And now, just 8 years after joining the show, Richard Roeper has decided to part ways with the iconic show that has made him famous.
The nationally syndicated show At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper will be changing once again.
And the reason for the split?
Looks like money of course!
Apparently Roeper and Disney-ABC couldn’t come to an agreement over his new contract.
In a statement released by Roeper, he says, “Eight years ago this summer, it was my privilege to join Roger Ebert as the new co-host of ‘Ebert & Roeper,’ the sequel to the iconic movie-review franchise created by Roger and the late Gene Siskel. Over the last two seasons, as Roger has bravely coped with his medical issues, I’ve continued the show with a number of guest co-hosts, from celebrities such as Jay Leno, Harold Ramis and John Mellencamp, to critics such as A.O. Scott of the New York Times and Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune. It’s never been the same without Roger, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m grateful to all the co-hosts who stepped in — and to the viewers that stayed loyal to the show.
Reoper adds, ├óΓé¼┼ôSeveral months ago, Disney offered to extend my contract, which expires at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. I opted to wait. Much transpired after that behind the scenes, but an agreement was never reached, and we are all moving on.”
That basically means Disney didn’t want to fork over the money Roeper was demanding.
He continues, “My last episode of ‘At the Movies’ will air the weekend of Aug. 16th-17th. I wish Disney the best of luck with their new show, whatever form it may take. In the meantime, it is my intention to proceed elsewhere with my ninth year as the co-host of a movie review show that honors the standards established by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert more than 30 years ago. I will be free to share the details on that program in the near future.”
The Mouse House has money to burn. Shame on you Disney!
How do U feel about Roeper’s departure?
[Photo via Getty Images.]