Roger Ebert to debut facial prosthesis on new show

[January 22, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Roger Ebert is debuting a facial prosthesis along with his new public television show on film criticism.

The veteran critic was left disfigured after surgeries for a cancerous growth in his salivary gland.

He wrote on his blog that he'll appear on his new "Ebert Presents at the Movies" in a prosthesis for his lower face and neck. Since the operations left him unable to speak, Ebert communicates through a voice in his laptop.

The 68-year-old Ebert says the prosthesis "will be a pleasant reminder of the person I was for 64 years."

The show debuts Friday with co-hosts Christy Lemire of The Associated Press and Ignatiy (ig-NAUGHT'-ee) Vishnevetsky (vish-nuh-VET'-skee) of Mubi.com. It's being taped where Ebert and the late Gene Siskel made their iconic "Sneak Previews" show starting 35 years ago.

[Associated Press]

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