Joel Siegel, a longtime movie critic for "Good Morning America" who racked up five New York Emmy Awards for his insightful work, died Friday, Associated Press informs. He was 63.

"Joel was an important part of ABC News and we will miss him," ABC News President David Westin said in a release. "He was a brilliant reviewer and a great reporter. But much more, he was our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joel's family."

Siegel had been battling colon cancer. He was known for his sense of humor, movie acumen and sharp judgment. He never let an actor off the hook if the performance was lackluster.

Siegel was born in Los Angeles on July 7, 1943, and graduated cum laude from UCLA. After college, he started writing for The Los Angeles Times, where he reviewed books.

He landed in New York City in 1972 and worked as a reporter for WCBS-TV. He also hosted "Joel Siegel's New York" on WCBS Radio. Four years later he jumped to WABC-TV, cementing his reputation as a film critic over the next three decades.

In 1981, he joined "Good Morning America" and became a regular as the network's entertainment editor, easily recognizable by his thick mustache and glasses.

In addition to Emmy Awards, he also received a public-service award from the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith and the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award for general excellence in individual reporting.

He survived by his son, Dylan, and wife, Ena Swansea.

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