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 after nearly four decades.
- Shalit began his career in magazines before moving to television.
Gene Shalit, 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, colorful bow ties, 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.
His producer for more than two decades, Guy Ludwig, remembered Shalit for his "incredible wit, his remarkable intelligence," and his ability to "amuse and enlighten" audiences. Shalit’s tenure coincided with the rise of television as a primary platform for movie reviews, influencing critical discourse alongside contemporaries like Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel.
Shalit began his career as an entertainment columnist for McCall's magazine, eventually becoming senior film critic for Look magazine in 1968. His popularity in magazines led to an offer from NBC, though executives were initially hesitant due to his unconventional appearance. He was married to Nancy Lewis, who died in 1978, and is survived by his daughter Willa and son Peter.