NEW YORK (AP) _ Joel Siegel, a longtime movie critic for WABC-TV and ''Good Morning America'' who racked up five New York Emmy Awards for his insightful work, died Friday, the television station said. He was 63.
The station said Siegel, who was famous for his weekly reviews, had been battling colon cancer.
''Joel was an important part of ABC News and we will miss him,'' ABC News President David Westin said in a release. ''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 was known for his sense of humor, movie acumen and sharp judgment. He never let an actor off the hook if the performance was lackluster.
''The appeal of Matthew McConaughey has long evaded me both as a pinup and as an actor,'' Siegel opined in his review of ''We Are Marshall,'' a 2006 film. ''His constant ticks, bad hair and strained syntax as a coach fumble what should have been the tragic and inspirational story of the rebuilding of Marshall University's football team after a devastating plane crash.''
Dave Davis, president and general manager of WABC-TV, said Siegel loved to poke fun at uninspiring movies.
''No one had more fun writing about a bad movie than Joel,'' Davis said.
ABC anchor Charles Gibson said Siegel knew how to tell a story.
''He had an inexhaustible supply of stories, most funny, many poignant, all with a point or a punch line,'' Gibson said.
Born in Los Angeles on July 7, 1943, Siegel graduated cum laude from UCLA. After college, he started writing for The Los Angeles Times, where he reviewed books.
He landed in New York City in 1972 and worked as a reporter for WCBS-TV. He also hosted ''Joel Siegel's New York'' on WCBS Radio. Four years later he jumped to WABC-TV, cementing his reputation as a film critic over the next three decades.
In 1981, he joined ''Good Morning America'' and became a regular as the network's entertainment editor, easily recognizable by his thick mustache and glasses.
In addition to Emmy Awards, he also received a public-service award from the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith; and the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award for general excellence in individual reporting.
He survived by his son, Dylan, and wife, Ena Swansea.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
Restocking my new book shelves and Came across Lessons for Dylan. I made a point to watch when Joel was reviewing. Was so sad when I heard he was ill. I think of his sons loss,and his wife. Connie Fails. Little Rock AR
February 05, 2025
Godspeed Joel, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
June 30, 2017 | Buckeye, AZ
To Joel Siegel,
I thought you did a great job as movie critic. My prayers are with your family, Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
December 25, 2012 | Brooklyn, NY
For Joel...
For a critic, you were
surely loved by the masses.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers...
March 17, 2010
I always enjoyed watching Joel.He was really neat man.
I miss him.
From:Ann Patrick Vest
Ann Vest
June 24, 2008 | Houston, TX
I watched the GMA tribute yesterday & was very moved. It's still hard to believe that we won't hear his reviews for the upcoming Summer blockbusters. He'll be sorely missed, but my heart goes out to his family. May the peace of God surround his son, wife, family & close friends as we wait for the day that Joel will be called by the Lord Jesus to resurrection. My sincerest sympathies.
July 10, 2007
A movie review was not a movie review, in my opinion, unless it was given by Joel Siegel. As my wife and I are avid movie goers, we respected Joel's reviews. But, more importantly, he was a gentleman, a really sweet guy and above all, a "mensch" with a capital M.
Michael H. Gelman
July 09, 2007 | Albuquerque, NM
There is no entry by anyone who has signed this guestbook for the July 7th date…that would have been Mr. Siegel's 64th birthday...so as they say...better late than never...Happy Birthday...in that far better place…where he has been reborn to an eternal life...I know he will continue to watch over... and guide his loved ones… from the best seat in “God’s” house.
His son will know…through all of the accolades and documented footage...that his father was respected…well thought of…by his...
Aleec ...a Fan
July 09, 2007
What will movies be like now without your two cents. You were the best.
m o
July 09, 2007 | Port Saint Lucie, FL