Key facts
- Gene Shalit, longtime movie critic and arts reporter for NBC's "Today" show, has died at 100.
- He joined "Today" in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, hosting his "Critic's Corner" segment.
- Shalit was known for his distinctive appearance, wit, intelligence, and puns.
- He departed the show in 2010, recognized as one of the last high-profile film critics on a major network.
- His producer noted his ability to amuse and enlighten audiences.
Gene Shalit, who served as the "Today" show's movie critic and arts reporter for over four decades, has died at the age of 100. His family announced his peaceful passing, stating he had "an amazing life."
Shalit joined "Today" as a contributor in 1970 and was appointed arts editor in 1973. He became widely recognized for his distinctive appearance, including thick-framed spectacles, polkadot bowties, and frizzed hair, and his "Critic's Corner" segment, often featuring witty puns. He remained a fixture on the program until his departure in 2010, by which time he was one of the last high-profile film critics on a major television network.