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Gene Shalit, the famous film critic best known for his long run on The Today Show, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed his death on Friday.
Gene Shalit has died at the age of 100
Before retiring in 2010, Gene Shalit spent nearly 4 decades at Today. His family, speaking to NBC News, said the beloved face of the industry “passed away peacefully today after an amazing 100 years of life.“His working years were described as ‘an extraordinary era for him.’
About Gene Shalit: The Man Who Entertained America for Decades
Gene Shalit, born Eugene Shalit in New York City in 1926, grew up in New Jersey. He was inclined towards journalism at a very young age. He wrote for the high school newspaper and the college newspaper. Shalit began in print journalism and joined Today part-time in 1969 with his ‘Critics Corner’ segment, People reported. Soon, he became one of the most famous book and film critics.Gene Shalit was known for his intelligence and charisma. With puns full of US movies and his on-air persona, which featured a handlebar mustache, glasses and a bow tie, he kept the audience engaged. His distinctive approach to films is still remembered. One of his classic reviews was of a 1991 horror classic. He said, “Silence of the Lambs may be wool and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn,” according to NBC news.Upon his retirement in 2010, Today executive producer Jim Bell said, “Gene is not only a Today Show treasure, but an American television legend and icon.” He added, “We salute him for his 40-year run as a single television program, a feat that will never be matched.”It’s also worth noting that Shalit’s pop culture reach wasn’t limited to mere criticism. He voiced a cartoon version of himself, Gene Scallop, in SpongeBob SquarePants. Also parodied on Family Guy, Saturday Night Live and SCTV.He turned 100 years old on March 25, 2026, and it was a truly special birthday. It was marked by a special report directed by the show that had his last photo. “He’s ringing in 100 enjoying that fresh Berkshire air with his six kids, five grandkids,” Al Roker said.Coming to his personal life. In 1950 he tied the knot with Nancy Lewis. He passed away in 1978. They had six children, including Willa Shalit and the artist Peter.
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