Beloved ‘Today’ show movie critic dead: ‘Extraordinary era for him’

Gene Shalit, the iconic movie critic instantly recognizable by his signature mustache and tenure on NBC’s “TODAY” show, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed in a statement to NBC News that he passed away peacefully on Friday following a century of an incredible life.

A Storied Television Career

Shalit first joined the “TODAY” show as a part-time contributor in 1970 before ascending to a full-time role in 1973. For decades, he served as a staple of the broadcast, known for his unique "Critics Corner" segments where he famously packed his reviews with puns. Reflecting on his time there, his family noted that the show represented an "extraordinary era for him."

Fellow critic Leonard Maltin, speaking to NorthJersey.com, captured the essence of Shalit’s style: "He was a naturally funny guy. I think sometimes he was more interested in the wisecracks than in the sober judgement of the movie. Which is probably what his producer wanted."

From Print to Puns

Before his television fame, Shalit cut his teeth in print journalism, writing for publications such as The New York Times and Ladies’ Home Journal. His broadcasting career spanned the premieres of legendary films like "Patton" and "Love Story," eventually concluding his run with a review of "Shrek Forever After," where he memorably called the lead character a "mellow fellow."

Shalit’s reviews were often colorful. He famously described a "King Kong" remake as a "fabularious … brilliantological humongousness of marvelosity" and urged viewers that it "should be against the law not to see" Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of "The Color Purple." While he was known for his wit, his work occasionally drew controversy, such as his apology following criticism from GLAAD regarding his comments on a character in "Brokeback Mountain."

Behind the Scenes

Throughout his tenure, Shalit shared the screen with an array of legendary anchors, including Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Bryant Gumbel, Katie Couric, Al Roker, and Meredith Vieira. Not all interactions were smooth; Bryant Gumbel once critiqued Shalit's work in a confidential memo, suggesting his reviews were often late. Still, Shalit remained a compelling interviewer. A notable 1981 segment featured him questioning John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd with such intensity that the actors felt like they were in therapy.

Following an accident in 1994, where he was struck by a car in St. Pete Beach, Florida, while covering MLB spring training, Shalit’s production shifted. After suffering a broken leg, he began recording his signature movie reviews from his home studio, continuing his distinctive legacy from afar.