Gene Siskel was a prominent American film critic known for his insightful reviews and engaging television presence. Born on January 2, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, he gained fame as a co-host of the popular TV show Siskel & Ebert, where he reviewed films alongside fellow critic Roger Ebert. Their dynamic discussions helped shape public opinion about movies in the late 20th century. Siskel began his career as a film critic for the Chicago Tribune and later became a respected voice in the film industry. He was known for his distinctive thumbs-up or thumbs-down rating system, which became iconic in film criticism. Siskel passed away on February 20, 1999, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.