Roger Ebert

AGE: 69
OCCUPATION: Film critic, Chicago Sun-Times

The most recognizable movie critic in the world churns out reviews that can make or break films and dashes off daily tweets to his 580,000 followers. His list of admirers includes filmmakers and studio executives, who take his thoughts to heart. “I have always felt Roger to be one of my consciences,” says Michael Barker, copresident of Sony Pictures Classics.

MORE ON EBERT: Chicagoans of the Year 2011: Roger Ebert | 40 Reasons to Love Chicago: Roger Ebert | Our December 2005 profile

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Photograph: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP