Roger Ebert, movie critic for the nationally syndicated television show Ebert & Roeper, had surgery in June to remove a cancerous growth on his salivary gland. At the time, Ebert, who is 63, and a three-time thyroid cancer survivor, was quoted as saying, "This is not considered to be a life-threatening form of cancer, and I expect to make a full recovery. I'll continue to function as a film critic during this time." He didn't plan on missing any work and taped shows in advance of his surgery.

Several weeks later Ebert suffered complications from the cancer surgery when a blood vessel burst. Surgeons performed a life-saving emergency procedure to correct the complication. While Ebert recovers, several guest hosts will sit in the balcony of the Ebert & Roeper show and serve in Ebert's place as movie critic until he can return.

On August 5th, NBC's The Tonight Show late-night talk show host Jay Leno will become the first guest host giving the thumbs up-thumbs down in movie reviews. According to Roeper, Leno has a critical eye and has always had interesting insights, so it is not likely the viewers will be disappointed in this guest host. Ebert is reported to be in good condition and continuing to recover at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. All our best wishes on Ebert's speedy return.