Gene Shalit: A Beloved Film Critic and TV Personality

Gene Shalit, known for his distinct mustache and playful use of language, passed away Friday at the age of 100, his family said. Shalit made a name for himself as a film critic on NBC’s “TODAY” show for forty years. His vibrant bowties and lively wordplay made him instantly recognizable to viewers.

Shalit’s family shared in a statement, “He passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.” His career on the “TODAY” show began in 1970 as a part-time contributor. He became the main movie reviewer in 1973, sharing critiques on everything from summer hits to award contenders until his retirement in 2010.

Shalit’s reviews often featured puns and catchy phrases. In his critique of the 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs,” he remarked, “The ‘Silence of the Lambs’ may be all wool and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn.” When unimpressed, he didn’t shy away from sharing his opinion. He described “X-Men” with humor, saying, “should not be taken seriously. In fact, it should be taken with two aspirin.”

A conversationalist, Shalit interviewed many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford. His questions varied in tone, even once asking Kermit the Frog about marriage plans with Miss Piggy.

Before TV, Shalit worked as a print journalist. He was a senior film critic for Look Magazine and contributed to several publications like The New York Times and Cosmopolitan. For 13 years, he penned essays titled “Man About Anything” on NBC’s radio network and appeared on game shows such as “What’s My Line?”

Born on March 25, 1926, in New York and raised in New Jersey, Shalit started early in journalism by creating his elementary school’s first newspaper. He attended the University of Illinois, where he honed his journalism skills at The Daily Illini.

Shalit gained national respect as part of the “TODAY” show, mixing entertainment coverage with spontaneous reports. He retired in 2010, praised by former co-host Meredith Vieira, who said, “It’s hard to imagine not having him here. He is the ‘TODAY’ show.”

Following retirement, Shalit withdrew from the public spotlight. Married for 28 years to Nancy Lewis, Shalit’s personal life remained significant until her death in 1978.