Gene Shalit: A Celebrated Movie Critic and Iconic TV Personality

Gene Shalit, known for his vibrant bowties, distinctive moustache, and sharp wit, passed away peacefully at the age of 100. A key figure on NBC’s “TODAY” show for four decades, Shalit captivated audiences with his unique movie reviews and clever wordplay.

Shalit began his career on the “TODAY” show as a part-time contributor in 1970, ascending to a full-time film critic three years later. He became a household name with his expert reviews of summer blockbusters and award-winning films, continuing until his 2010 retirement. His family noted that his tenure at the “TODAY” show was a remarkable period for him.

His reviews, often peppered with puns, won him a loyal following. For example, his humorous take on “The Silence of the Lambs” described it as “a terrific yarn.” He unflinchingly shared his honest opinions, as seen when he critiqued “X-Men” as being best accompanied by “two aspirin.” Similarly, he quipped about Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” being “passable.”

Beyond reviews, Shalit interviewed famed personalities like Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford. His inquiries ranged widely, even light-heartedly questioning Kermit the Frog about marrying Miss Piggy.

Shalit initially made his mark in print journalism, serving as senior film critic for Look Magazine and contributing to various publications such as The New York Times and Cosmopolitan. He also produced the daily “Man About Anything” radio essay for NBC from 1969 to 1982 and participated in game shows like “What’s My Line?”

Born on March 25, 1926, in New York, Eugene Shalit grew up in New Jersey, where his father owned a drugstore. From a young age, Shalit showed a flair for journalism by founding his elementary school’s newspaper, The Spotlight, and writing humor columns in high school. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949, honing his skills as a sports editor and columnist for The Daily Illini and later reporting for the Twin Cities’ daily newspaper.

As an on-air presence for the “TODAY” show, Shalit’s lively style and spontaneous reports made him a beloved figure. When he retired in 2010, former co-host Meredith Vieira commended him, saying, “He is the ‘TODAY’ show.” In his later years, Shalit lived a more private life.

Shalit was married to Nancy Lewis for 28 years before her passing in 1978. He leaves behind a legacy as an influential and cherished critic and television personality.