Joel Siegel, well-known as the movie critic for Good Morning America, passed away at the age of 63 over the weekend, said ABC. Surrounded by family and friends, the critic lost a long battle with colon cancer on Friday.
Siegel joined Good Morning America in 1981, with weekly reviews appearing every Friday. He also hosted the annual Joel Seigel's Road to the Academy Awards, in which he talked with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
"Joel was an important part of ABC News, and we will miss him," said ABC News president David Westin. "He was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. But much more, he was our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joel's family."
Siegel has long been a supporter of cancer awareness, and in 1991, helped found Gilda's Club, named after former Saturday Night Live actress Gilda Radner, with actor Gene Wilder.
Siegel is survived by his son Dylan and his wife Ena Swansea.
This is a tragedy. Taken too soon. A fine, intelligent man. I will remember our chats and his guidance.
Joel was a great contributor for film viewers and he will be missed by me. Whether one disagreed with his critique is now forgotten. Additionally, he had a long span of other contributions under his belt besides being on Good Morning America" for 26 years. I admire anyone who can be outspoken about their battle with cancer, and also caring enough to lobby on Capitol Hill on behalf of others afflicted with cancer. Continued contributions to those afflicted with the disease shows that he cared about his community. Let's us remember that he was a co-founder of Gilda's Club, named after comedian Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer. My "Hat's Off" to such a generous man. He left this earth a better place, we should all do the same.
he will be truly missed
How sad that we lost a great film critic, person, father and husband. Joel, you will be greatly missed. What a great film critic you were, father, and friend. I just wanted to say what a fantastic tribute to Joel Seigel this morning on GMA. Certainly brought tears to my eyes. Shalom, Joel, may you rest in peace. Via - Tampa, Fl
Thorsen-ink, although you are most certainly entitled to your opinion, and, "blah, blah, blah, freedome of speech and all, you were obviously never taught: 1. You should have respect for and not speak ill of the deceased, nor 2. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all, or 3. Not Everything has to be said. You really could have some modicum of respect...
He had a lot of energy and was good at what he did. Joel will be missed.EdJ
My deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to his family.
D'oh! Why God, why?
man he was a really funny guy, he definitely will be missed
Thorsen-Ink give the guy a break. He is dead. Please respect his wife and young son.
No matter what anybody says, it's always sad when a HUMANBEING dies.
wow arnt you just shot of pure evil thorsen...
He will be missed.
How sad
R.i.p. Joel