Chaz Ebert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chaz Ebert
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Ebert at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 2010
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| Born |
Charlie Hammel
October 15, 1952 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Dubuque (BA) University of Wisconsin–Platteville (MA) DePaul University (JD) |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | since 1972 |
| Spouse(s) |
Merle Smith
(divorced) |
| Children | 2 |
Chaz Ebert was born Charlie Hammel on October 15, 1952. She is an American businesswoman and a lawyer. Many people know her as the wife of the famous film critic Roger Ebert. They were married from 1992 until he passed away in 2013.
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Early Life and Education
Chaz Ebert grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Johnnie Hobbs Hammel and Wiley Hammel Sr. She went to Crane Technical High School in Chicago.
After high school, she continued her education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dubuque. Later, she received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. She also studied law and earned a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law.
Chaz Ebert's Career
Chaz Ebert has had an interesting career in media and business. She was an executive producer and a guest on a TV show called Ebert Presents: At the Movies.
Leading RogerEbert.com
Today, Chaz Ebert is the CEO and publisher of Ebert Digital. This company runs RogerEbert.com. This website is a special place where you can find all of her late husband Roger Ebert's movie reviews. It also shares new movie reviews from other writers.
Involvement in Film and Media
Chaz Ebert was featured in the 2014 documentary Life Itself. This film was about Roger Ebert's life. She also worked as an executive producer for the 2019 movie Selah and the Spades.
In 2005, Chaz Ebert was part of a group of investors who faced a business challenge. They had invested in a casino, but the casino's license was taken away. This caused the investors to lose a lot of money.
Continuing Roger Ebert's Legacy
After her husband passed away in 2013, Chaz Ebert took on a new role. She became the host of Ebertfest. This is an annual film festival held in Champaign, Illinois. It is put on with the help of the UIUC College of Media.
In September 2022, Chaz Ebert shared exciting news. She announced that she would direct her first documentary film. The movie is about Deborah Szekely, who is known as a leader in health and fitness. The film is called The Wellness Warrior. It premiered in October 2024 at the Chicago International Film Festival.
In May 2024, Chaz Ebert also published a book. It is titled It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness. The book talks about how important forgiveness, empathy, compassion, and kindness are. Her late husband, Roger Ebert, inspired these ideas.
Personal Life
Chaz Ebert has two children from her first marriage to Merle Smith. She later married the famous film critic Roger Ebert in 1992. They were together until his death in 2013.
Awards and Recognition
On September 28, 2022, Chaz Ebert received a special honor. She was given the FACETS Legend Award at the Screen Gems Benefit. This award recognized her efforts to encourage diversity in the world of film.
