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Joel Siegel Obituary
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
191 Entries
February 5, 2025
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
Harry Simpson
June 30, 2017
Godspeed Joel, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Lisa Weiner
December 25, 2012
To Joel Siegel,
I thought you did a great job as movie critic. My prayers are with your family, Lisa Weiner
March 17, 2010
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 arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
How you can show support
Ann Vest
June 24, 2008
I always enjoyed watching Joel.He was really neat man.
I miss him.
From:Ann Patrick Vest
July 10, 2007
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.
Michael H. Gelman
July 9, 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.
Aleec ...a Fan
July 9, 2007
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 colleagues…and his public...and that he was a wonderful…hands-on… and proud father of his son… Dylan…whom he loved very much.
As a viewer…I always appreciated his reviews...he came across as a pleasant…kind… good-natured human being… he didn't need sarcasm…or a mean-spiritedness…to make his point of view known…he was intelligent…down to earth…witty…fair…and decent.
May he rest in peace…and may God bless his family…as they cope during this most difficult time.
With my prayers…and deepest sympathy for his family...he will be missed.
m o
July 9, 2007
What will movies be like now without your two cents. You were the best.
jacqui savarino
July 9, 2007
My 51 year old brother died on the same day as Joel Siegel from lung cancer. I can say that cancer is definitely the worse thing that can happen to a family and hopefully your family will eventually come to terms with such a great loss.
Glenda Frye
July 8, 2007
When you just can't bear the hurt, remember our Father in heaven holds you in his gentle hands. May your memories sustain you throughout your lifetime. Heartfelt love for you and family.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
July 5, 2007
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMIY, REST IN PEACE JOEL SIEGEL
Julia Hamm
July 5, 2007
Our heart goes out to his family.
Hamm family from Waverly, Tennessee
Melissa Liebermann
July 4, 2007
Like many others who have been watching Joel Siegel on television for so many years, I truly cannot believe he is gone. I am a 33 year old life long New Jerseyan and literally have been watching Joel on both local WABC as well as Good Morning America for most of my life (26 years or so, I believe). His warmth, love of the movies, and most importantly, his great love for his son, literally came through that tv screen and I truly feel like I have lost a friend. I wish his family comfort during this difficult time. Joel--rest in peace.
Richard Robbins
July 4, 2007
Joel told it like it was...I really enjoyed his wit and reviews. My best to his family.
PATSY GORDON
July 4, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
July 4, 2007
Thank you for all you gave us here on earth. We know you are in a beautiful place..God Bless you...
T~
Louise Rutherford
July 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Helena & Neil Perlmutter
July 4, 2007
Rest in Peace.
Lucy Perna
July 4, 2007
Joel you will be missed. You always had it figured out and I looked forward to hearing from you on any new releases. How will I know what movies to watch now? Missing you already in Chicago.
Lore Bralczyk
July 4, 2007
Joel, I can't believe that you're gone...you made the routine of daily life bearable. We always knew that when we would sit down to get ready for work we could always count on you to be there on that screen with your witty remarks and silly mustache to help us get through the day. When I heard the news of your passing...it was surreal. I see your picture by this guest book and I can't believe it..no way, you will always be with us. Its like some of the brilliant color of life has dulled, and lost some of its magic.
Watch over us Mr. Silly Mustache and we will see you again one day...but for now, you can entertain the angels and bring some of your magic to them.
God Bless you.
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
July 4, 2007
Very sorry about your loss! I am a nurse in Middle Tennessee. May God hold you and comfort you. Pat - PJ
Deborrah Jansen
July 4, 2007
What a great guy! I am so sorry and send my condolences to all his family. he will be sorely missed!
Kirsten Ludwikowski
July 4, 2007
To Family and Freinds, I am very sorry for your loss. Joel was a great character to watch & I am sure he will be sadly missed by all. I will never forget his voice.
Dee
July 3, 2007
It is always so sad when you hear the passing of someone...to most of us, unexpectally and suddenly; while to others they waited painfully. i know I have a friend going through this. The most comforting, they are NO longer in pain and they are going to a much better place and in spirit they will alway be here.
to the Siegel family, for so many years we have watched him entertain us with his brilliant movie/tv show critic that we can still hear his voice and his laughter. He is resting now. I know we are selfish and rather have him here with us. God understands this too. But at least now, he no longer suffers from a terrible disease and he will ALWAYS be there,in your heart, in your dreams and in your home. He will come to you and he will let you know he is ok...and hard as as that is hard to accept, know he will touch you and will kiss you in your sleep. He is there...as your guardian angel.
Safe hugz!
Joanne Pace
July 3, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Adrienne M.
July 3, 2007
I was surprised and sadden by Mr. Siegal death. He will be missed by all who loved him. I will missed seeing him on the news giving everyone his opinion on the newest movies that comes out. And I was looking forward on his opinion on the Transformer Movie. God will only no what he would have said to everyone. May God comfort his family and love ones in their time of sorrow.
Michele Bryan
July 3, 2007
My deepest, deepest sympathies to those who knew and loved him. He was one of the best reviewers in the business. He will be sorely missed.
Laurie Kruse
July 3, 2007
Thank you for being a part of my life. We are all saddened by your passing
Doreen Perez
July 3, 2007
To The Siegel Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband, father and friend. I enjoyed hearing Mr. Siegel's views on newly released movies on GMA. He will truly be missed.
May God Bless you.
Lynn Craddock
July 3, 2007
May God Bless and comfort the loved ones of Joel Siegel during this difficult time. He was a funny, smart, terrific critic and will be missed by so many. The most wonderful thing about Joel was the love he showed for his wife and son, may he be an example to us all.
Pannell Family
July 3, 2007
I have really enjoyed watching Mr.Siegel on GMA. He will be missed. May God bless and be with you always.
Carolyn B. Brodie
July 3, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cynthia Harrell
July 3, 2007
May God be with the Siegel family. Just remember, he is not dead. Joel has gone home with the Lord. It is only a transition from this life on earth to heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.I will miss him. God and his holy angels will be watching over you. You are in my prayers.
Peg Lilly
July 3, 2007
What a treat he was! I think comedian first, critic second. He had a gift for delivery in his reviews that made us think. Our world is a little less bright with his passing. To his wonderful family: we cannot know your grief, but we will miss him too.
Theresa DeHoyos
July 3, 2007
My sincere condolences to the Siegel Family on the loss of this great man, husband and father. May God be a comfort to you during this difficult time of sorrow.
Kim
July 3, 2007
To the Siegel family-
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Michael Iezzi
July 3, 2007
Father we entrust our brother Joel to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Joel in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Linda Lacy
July 3, 2007
What a loss for all of us. Thanks for all the years you will be missed. May God bless you and your family.
Luz Gonzalez
July 3, 2007
sorry to hear about his passing. May God bless help his family at this time of need.
JULIA
July 2, 2007
MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO JOEL'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I ENJOYED WATCHING HIM ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
SYLVIA & RAYMOND RITCHIE
July 2, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patricia V. Novak
July 2, 2007
My condolences to Joel's wife and son as yes I did watch him on Good Morning America many times and we will miss him. God Bless him always and may he rest in peace.
Loretta Cranmer
July 2, 2007
My sincere condolences go to Joel's family first & then to his extended family at GMA . I loved watching him every Fri. on GMA. He was not just a critic, but he also was a comic. He gave a perspective to every movie he watched; be it good or bad. Joel never pulled any punch's If a movie was good, he said why he thought it was, & vice-versa. Friday morning's on GMA, will never be the same without Joel.
Sandra Poole
July 2, 2007
My sincere condolences to his wife and son. This fan will truly miss his reviews and his "calling them like he sees them". The world has lost a truly unique personality. Rest in peace.
Cindy Zimmerman
July 2, 2007
Dylan...I remember when your dad announced your birth on GMA...oh how proud he was of you and your mom!! If there is ever anything that you remember about your dad remember that he loved you and was SO happy to have you!! He was a wonderful man and he was a neat man but most important he was YOUR dad and he loved YOU more than anyone in the world!! I hope that brings you peace!!
Cindy Zimmmerman
Linda MASON
July 2, 2007
Joel's Son and Daughter-in-law,
I JUST READ ABOUT YOUR LOSS OF JOEL. WHAT A WONDERFUL PROFESSIONAL HE WAS. I ALWAYS ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIM ON TV, IN FACT, HE HAS LONG BEEN MY FAVORITE CRITIC. YOU CAN REST ASSURED THAT HE LEAVES A WONDERFUL LEGECY. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU DURING THIS TIME . I WILL LONG REMEMBER AND APPRECIATE HIM FROM TELEVISION.
Randi O
July 2, 2007
Joel,
You are now in the endless film of eternity, where your best critic is the Lord. I'm sure you will have many laughs together. Rest in peace
Mary Evans
July 2, 2007
im so sorry there are no words that can describe what his family is going through but just be rest assured that we will forever keep him in our hearts and prayers and he will never be forgotten he was such a great guy and we will forever miss him may gods peace and love be with all his family and friends rest in peace Joel we love you and will miss you deeply
The evans family
Mary,Charles Evans and kids [email protected]
Marilyn Ross
July 2, 2007
You will be so missed Joel by your family - especially your son, your co-workers and your audience. Rest in peace - you deserve it.
July 2, 2007
Our Condolonces. He will greatly be missed by all the viewers.
Chaun Mosley
July 2, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paula Luthi
July 2, 2007
Dearest Family,
May God comfort you in the loss of Joel. Our promise from God is that he has made a place for us when we leave this place. . . Joel is now with God and eternally well~God Bless each of you.
TONYA
July 2, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sue Tully
July 2, 2007
My heartfelt condolences to the Siegal family. I always enjoyed hearing Joel critique the movies and actors and mostly how his face would light up when speaking of his wife and son. May you find comfort knowing that he is now free of pain.
God bless.
cunning boyd-henry
July 2, 2007
sorry to hear of joel death i'am
going to miss him very much our prayer are with you
Cheryl Adams
July 2, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patricia Adams
July 2, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Barbara Strodtmann
July 2, 2007
Shalom Joel....Thank you for your light...Thank you for your joy... Thank you for your life...Thank you for being a wonderful humanbeing......Shalom
MARY GOMEZ
July 2, 2007
I WAS SO SHOCKED AND SO SADDEN BY HIS DEATH. HE WAS A WONDERFUL SINCERE DOWN TO EARTH PERSON. HE KEPT US ABREAST OF ALL THE MOVIES AND OTHER CRITERIA. WHY DO THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE HAVE TO GO FIRST. SOME HOW GMA WONT BE OR FEEL THE SAME W/OUT HIM. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILY.
marie jones
July 2, 2007
i am sorry about the lost of your dear love one i am sure he will be missed by all may the God of comfort and peace be with your family.
M. Fronzaglia
July 2, 2007
Joel Siegel was one of those people you loved to watch and listen to when he critiqued a movie. He had a great way of making you feel like he was your best friend telling you what movie to see or not to see.
Jennifer Ballard-Carpenter
July 2, 2007
I always enjoyed hearing what Mr. Seigel had to say about the movies I wanted to see. He will be remembered as a brillant man who knew his audience and job well.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife,son, and friends during this time.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
July 2, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Joel. You will be missed by many.
Joel there is a very special place in heaven for you.
Tom & Ursula Mahoney
July 2, 2007
Siegel Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Joel's passing. My husband and I would like to take this time to thank you for sharing him with the world. That must have been a very big sacrafice for all of you, including Joel.
Yolanda Valdez
July 2, 2007
My sympathy and prayers are with Joel's family.
Proud Marine Mom of an American Hero
(LCpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9-3-04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq)
Roseline Johnson
July 2, 2007
To the family, enjoyed having Joel as a guest in our living room via TV. many years. he will be missed by many viewers. peace be to you the family and Joel. May God wrap his arms around you all and bring you comfort in this time of loss of your loved one. Joel, You might be gone, but not forgotten. you left your mark on our hearts. rest in peace dear man.
JANICE WEST
July 2, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Meyer
July 1, 2007
We will miss seeing you on GMA. Our Sympathy's to your family, to GMA's Staff and to your viewers. May God Bless You!
Beverly Knowlton Fournier
July 1, 2007
He was an angelic man. What a huge loss for us all and especially to his family.
Doris Dayton
July 1, 2007
You will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.
July 1, 2007
I thoroughly enjoyed Joel Siegel's reviews. You could tell that he enjoyed his job. Cancer is such a horrible disease and it was admirable to see Mr. Siegel push forward as much as he did. God certainly hears the prayers of those mourning (Job 14:13,14). My condolences to the Siegel family & friends.
July 1, 2007
I remember his movie making in High School. He was creative and beyond his peers in mindfullness.
Iris Gonzalez
July 1, 2007
I just spoke of Joel Siegel in a Communciation Applications class I'm teaching this summer. The students were preparing mock entertainment reports and I mentioned it was imperative that Joel Siegel's movie reviews be consulted before reporting on the latest movies.
To the Siegel and GMA family, I express my deepest sympathy.
July 1, 2007
Joel, you were such a wonderful man and did such a great job.
Linda
July 1, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Suzanne Vande Putte
July 1, 2007
Joel was so excited to be a Dad! You could feel the love...I'm so glad he had that chance! Miss you, Joel...
Helen Rosenberger
July 1, 2007
Siegel Family, It broke my heart to hear of Joel's passing, he left this world way to soon, but will live on in the memories he left you. His viewers always appreciated his talent and truth and that wonderful smile...
Tony Smith
July 1, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Joel Siegel. He was a wonderful entertainment reporter and a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed.
Maureen Monteiro.
July 1, 2007
Please accept my prayers & condolences on his passing.
I enjoyed his Movie Reviews so much!
God bless him!
Kay Wyatt
July 1, 2007
I enjoyed his TV show
Teresa Harmor
July 1, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rose
July 1, 2007
Your bright smile and your joy of life will shine on through your son's eyes. May God bless your family. You will be sadly missed.
Heather
July 1, 2007
I loved watching his smiling face!! I was so saddened to hear of his passing...rest in peace my friend. God always takes the good ones.
tish
July 1, 2007
you will be missed
Rose
July 1, 2007
How sad to know a familiar face will no longer be seen on T.V. Someone who made us laugh and yet, gave great reviews....Rest in peace Joel and know that you've touched so many people. You left us much too young..God Bless and give your family the strength they will need to endure. Your spirit will always be with them.
You will be missed .......
Donna
June 30, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Levy
June 30, 2007
What a courageous man, who had so much to share with the public and his family. He will truly not be forgotten, just Missed.
Mimi Sierra
June 30, 2007
My Mornings will never be the same again. You were my familiar movie face along with the GMA Family. GMA has lost an integral piece of the puzzle that was whole. I will miss your quirky reviews, smile, moustache, glasses and laughter. Your reviews never gave anything away but always managed to help me save money by waiting for dvd instead of spending money at the theater, even when I was asked why? "Because Joel said..."
I will miss him SO MUCH!! I can't stop CRYING!! May God be with the Siegel and extended family and the GMA Famils as well.
God Bless :)
Cheryl Gross
June 30, 2007
It seems like just yesterday that I was watching Joel give his movie reviews on GMA. I was shocked when I heard the news and cried and cried. It has been a rough few years for ABC: first Peter Jennings, then Claudia Cohen, and now Joel . . . my sincere condolences to Joel's family and to the ABC and GMA families....please know that we out here are thinking of you. I'll really miss you, Joel. Rest in Peace, and may your Memory Be for A Blessing.
Kitty Thomasson
June 30, 2007
I will miss Joel's contribution to GMA! His good humor and smiling face was always a refreshing way to greet the day. The pride and love he expressed for his son Dylan was touching. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the coming days! God Bless.
Maria Tirado
June 30, 2007
RIP, we all will miss you Joel Siegel.
Baldwin Family
June 30, 2007
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all who knew and loved Joel. What a true shining star......
Ann Huizenga
June 30, 2007
You are at home with your God now. GMA won't be the same.
Bridgette
June 30, 2007
You will be missed.
Mardell Koch
June 30, 2007
TO THE SEIGEL FAMILY:
Joel will be missed by many, because he was LOVED by many. Keep all of your memories close to your heart and they will help you thru the rough times. Tell Dylan that he had (has) a wonderful dad. Until we meet again May You Rest In Peace. We just added another wonderful Angel in Heaven to watch over us.
The Koch's
lucy delossantos
June 30, 2007
HIS CHARM AND WIT WILL HAVE ALL THE ANGELS LAUGHING.god bless.Lucy,Eddie,jay-paul and michael delossantos
M. L. PRITCHETT
June 30, 2007
WE WILL MISS YOU ON GMA. GOD BE WITH YOU.
William & Vicky
June 30, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the passing of your husband and father. Joel was an excellent film critic, but most of all he was a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed.
Justine Clark
June 30, 2007
All I can say is "YOU WERE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE GRATEEST" I miss you Joel.
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