Gene Shalit, ‘TODAY’ show movie critic, dies at 100
The former TODAY show critic was known for sharp film reviews and interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford and Kermit the Frog.
- Gene Shalit, the iconic TODAY film critic known for his signature mustache and puns, died Friday at 100. His family said he "passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life" in a statement to NBC News.
- Shalit joined TODAY as a part-time contributor in 1970, moving to full-time three years later. He anchored the "Critics Corner" segment for four decades, becoming the show's go-to movie reviewer until retiring in 2010.
- Beyond reviews, Shalit interviewed major stars including Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford. His colorful bowties, bushy mustache, and pun-filled segments in "Critics Corner" made him stand out from the broadcast television pack.
- Former co-host Meredith Vieira paid tribute, saying "It's hard to imagine not having him here." Colleagues noted Shalit's remarkable intelligence and wit shaped cinematic opinion for millions of viewers.
- Born in New York on March 25, 1926, Shalit began in print journalism before transitioning to radio and television. He broadcast the "Man About Anything" essay series from 1969 to 1982, establishing journalistic credentials that defined his later career.
144 Articles
144 Articles
Movie critic who became a morning television icon has died at 100
NEW YORK CITY, New York — Gene Shalit, the longtime “Today” show film critic whose oversized mustache, unruly hair and pun-filled reviews made him one of television’s most recognizable entertainment journalists, has died. He was 100.
The Billings Gazette
BizTocMustachioed movie critic Gene Shalit dies at age 100, NBC News reports
Pun-spouting movie critic Gene Shalit, a fixture on NBC's "Today" show for 40 years in his bow ties and extravagantly bushy hair and mustache, died on Friday at the age of 100, NBC News reported, citing a family statement shared…
Gene Shalit, longtime ‘Today’ show movie critic and U of I graduate, dies at 100
Gene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for decades who was known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and affection for groan-inducing puns, has died. He was 100.
He Was 'Daniel Boone in a Bow Tie and Groucho Glasses'
Gene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for the Today show over four decades who was known for his puffy hair, oversize handlebar mustache, and affection for groan-inducing puns, has died. He was 100, per the AP . Shalit's family announced the death on Friday to NBC News, saying in...
By Mark Kennedy, AP Entertainment Writer
Gene Shalit, longtime 'Today' show movie critic with bushy hair and massive mustache, dead at 100
NEW YORK Gene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for the Today show over four decades who was known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and affection for groan-inducing puns, has died. He was 100.Shalit's family announced the death Friday to NBC News, saying in a statement that he passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.Shalit joined Today as a contributor in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, later s…
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