Gene Shalit: Iconic Film Critic Dies at 100

Gene Shalit, renowned for his lively wordplay and distinctive walrus mustache, passed away on Friday at the age of 100. As a film critic for NBC’s ‘TODAY’ show for over four decades, Shalit became a beloved figure for his colorful reviews and unique style. His family confirmed his peaceful passing, reflecting on his remarkable life.

Shalit joined ‘TODAY’ as a part-time contributor in 1970, transitioning to a full-time role three years later. Over his career, he became the show’s primary movie reviewer, renowned for his takes on summer blockbusters and award contenders until retiring in 2010. Shalit boasted a flair for punctuating his reviews with puns, endearing him to audiences nationwide.

In a memorable review of ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ Shalit quipped, “The Silence of the Lambs may be all wool and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn.” On less favorable films, he pulled no punches, describing ‘X-Men’ as something “not to be taken seriously,” humorously prescribing it be taken “with two aspirin.” Shalit also marked ‘Funny People’ as simply “passable,” noting “speaking colonically.”

Beyond reviews, Shalit interviewed cultural icons like Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford. His interviews ranged from the serious to the whimsical, such as his playful query to Kermit the Frog about marrying Miss Piggy.

Shalit began his career as a print journalist. He served as senior film critic for Look Magazine and contributed to numerous prominent publications including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Between 1969 and 1982, he delivered daily essays titled ‘Man About Anything’ for NBC’s radio network. His television presence was further amplified through appearances on game shows such as ‘What’s My Line?’ and ‘To Tell The Truth.’

Born on March 25, 1926, in New York, Shalit grew up in New Jersey, where his father’s drug store was located. His early journalism pursuits included founding his elementary school’s first newspaper and writing a humor column in high school. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949, establishing his credentials as a sports editor for The Daily Illini. His career continued with the Twin Cities’ daily newspaper and freelance work for The Associated Press in Chicago.

Shalit achieved national fame with his entertaining contributions to ‘TODAY.’ Former co-host Meredith Vieira lauded him upon his 2010 retirement, stating, “It’s hard to imagine not having him here. He is the TODAY show.”

In his later years, Shalit withdrew from the spotlight. He was married to Nancy Lewis for 28 years until her passing in 1978.