( CNN ) -- Longtime film critic Roger Ebert , who lost much of his jaw to thyroid cancer , will show off his new face -- thanks to a prosthesis -- when his PBS show debuts this weekend . The creators of the prosthesis `` did a pretty wonderful damn job , '' Ebert wrote in his online blog , which provided a few photos . `` I like my new prosthesis and know from observation their work was painstaking and done with love and care . '' The process of crafting the silicone prosthesis and matching it to his face and features took about two years , Ebert said . The effort was led by Dr. David J. Reisberg . Since the cancer , Chicago-based Ebert , 68 , has been unable to speak or eat conventionally . He has used various text-to-speech technologies to provide a voice . According to `` Entertainment Tonight , '' the Chicago Sun-Times critic is producing and will appear in brief segments in his new show `` Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies , '' which launches on PBS stations nationwide . `` I will wear the prosthesis on the new television show , '' Ebert wrote in a Wednesday evening post entitled `` Leading with my chin . '' `` That 's not to fool anyone , because my appearance is widely known , '' said Ebert , who appeared with the late Gene Siskel on a movie review show for more than 20 years . `` It will be used in a medium shot of me working in my office , and will be a pleasant reminder of the person I was for 64 years . '' Ebert wrote he initially assumed he would wear the prosthesis all the time when he leaves the house . But his thoughts have changed , in part because people know what he looks like beneath the feature . `` And something else has happened since that day in the hospital : I accept the way I look . Lord knows I paid the dues . ''
Longtime film director lost part of jaw to cancer . Two - year transformation features facial prosthesis . A new talk show debuts this year .