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Beloved Film Critic Gene Shalit Passes Away at 100
13 Jun
Summary
- Gene Shalit, known for puns and mustache, died at 100.
- He was a beloved Today show movie critic for nearly 40 years.
- Shalit retired from the show in 2010 after a long tenure.
Gene Shalit, the beloved movie critic of the Today show, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, at the age of 100. Known for his distinctive mustache and penchant for puns, Shalit was a fixture on the program for nearly four decades before his retirement in 2010.
Born in New York City in 1926, Shalit began his broadcasting career with "Critics Corner" segments on the Today show in 1968, eventually becoming a full-time critic by 1973. His reviews, often infused with humor and wordplay, garnered him a unique place in television history.
Shalit's tenure saw him review countless films and conduct memorable celebrity interviews. He was also known for his appearances on shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and parodies on Saturday Night Live, showcasing his broad cultural reach. He celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25, 2026.
Despite occasional controversies, such as a 2006 critique that drew condemnation from GLAAD, Shalit maintained a strong support system, including his son Peter, who publicly defended his father's integrity. He passed away after a full life, leaving behind a legacy as a television legend.
