Chicago is preparing to host a permanent tribute to legendary film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. A life-size bronze sculpture, titled "Siskel and Ebert: Two Thumbs Up," is slated for installation at Prudential Plaza by 2028.
The Chicago-based legacy of a national "Two Thumbs Up" phenomenon
The partnership between Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert transformed film criticism into a national spectator sport while the duo remained anchored in the Chicago media landscape. Siskel served as the primary film critic for the Chicago Tribune for three decades until 1999, while Ebert spent 46 years at the Chicago Sun-Times before his passing in 2013. As the report from Block Club Chicago notes, their "Two Thumbs Up" rating system acted as a vital precursor to modern digital aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd.
Despite their massive national influence and appearances on programs like Saturday Night Live, both men maintained their local newspaper roles and stayed grounded in their home city.. this commitment to Chicago is the driving force behind producer Pam Kasper's effort to ensure the city gives back to the men who helped define its cultural identity.
A $230,000 fundraising push led by Pam Kasper
The proposed sculpture, which will stand 6-foot-5 at Prudential Plaza on East Randolph Street, requires a total of $230,000 to reach completion. Producer Pam Kasper is spearheading this initiative in partnership with Chicago Gateway Green to secure both public donations and corporate sponsorships. The project aims to feature two bronze theater seats in front of the figures, allowing passersby to sit and interact with the likenesses of Siskel and Ebert.
Illinois sculptor and School of the Art Institute of Chicago professor emeritus Preston Jackson has been selected to create the piece. Kasper expressed confidence in Jackson’s ability to capture the essence of the critics, noting his deep connection to the local area. As first reported by Crain's Chicago Business, the project is currently in its active fundraising phase .
Hollywood memorabilia from The Bear to The Office to fuel the project
To bridge the funding gap, organizers have launched a Hollywood memorabilia auction featuring high-profile items donated by studios and celebrities. The auction includes a signed apron from the cast of the hit show The Bear, gifted by creator Christopher Storer, and a Toy Story Jessie doll signed by Evanston native Joan Cusack. Other notable items include a Caddyshack lobby card signed by Bill Murray and costume renderings from Mad Men signed by Janie Bryant.
The auction also offers unique experiences, such as a tour of the renovated Brady Bunch house in Los Angeles and a 30-minute Zoom session with The Office head writer Lee Eisenberg. These diverse offerings aim to tap into both local Chicago pride and broader pop-culture fandom to meet the project's financial requirements.
Will the $230,000 goal be met before the 2028 deadline?
While the project has strong momentum and celebrity backing, several logistical hurdles remain regarding the total sum required. it is currently unclear how much of the $230,000 will come from large-scale corporate sponsorships versus individual public donations. Additionally, the timeline relies heavily on the success of the current auction and the continued support of the Siskel and Ebert families.
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