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

Gene Shalit, the iconic movie critic whose trademark mustache was as famous as his television presence, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed on Friday that the long-time NBC TODAY show contributor passed away peacefully after a century of life.

An Extraordinary Era

Shalit first joined the TODAY show as a part-time contributor in 1970, eventually moving into a full-time role three years later. His family described the tenure as an extraordinary era for the critic, who became a staple of morning television by offering his unique take on Hollywood’s biggest releases.

Operating within a segment dubbed Critics Corner, Shalit was well-known for his rapid-fire delivery of puns and wisecracks. Fellow critic Leonard Maltin, speaking to NorthJersey.com, noted that Shalit was a naturally funny person who sometimes prioritized clever quips over sober film judgment, a style that clearly resonated with his producers.

A Career in Critics Corner

Before his television fame, Shalit cut his teeth in print journalism, writing for publications like The New York Times and Ladies’ Home Journal. Over the course of his decades-long television career, his reviews became legendary for their creative flair. Whether describing a film as fabularious or finding puns for titles like The Lovely Bones, Shalit never shied away from leaving his personal stamp on a critique.

His career wasn't without controversy; he once drew ire from GLAAD for his comments regarding Brokeback Mountain, for which he later apologized. However, he also shared lighthearted moments on air, including a famous fit of giggles during an interview with Carol Channing and a memorable 1981 segment where John Belushi famously likened Shalit's hair to an ant farm on fire.

Working with a Rotation of Icons

Throughout his time at the TODAY show, Shalit shared the screen with a rotating cast of broadcast legends, including Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel, Al Roker, and Meredith Vieira. The relationship with his colleagues wasn't always seamless; a leaked memo once revealed that Gumbel had privately criticized Shalit's interview style and timeliness.

The critic's routine shifted in 1994 after he was struck by a car in St. Pete Beach, Florida, while covering Major League Baseball spring training. Following the injury, which resulted in a broken leg, Shalit began recording his segments from his home studio.