Beloved 'today' Show Film Critic Gene Shalit Passes Away at 100
WHO:
NBC News - Savannah Guthrie remembers Gene Shalit as a beloved Today Show mainstay.
Deadline - Gene Shalit, longtime film critic for NBC's "Today" show.
Variety - Shalit was known for his bushy hair and walrus mustache.
WHAT:
AP News - Shalit was described as "instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America" during his tenure on the "Today" show.
AP News - Shalit began his career as an entertainment columnist for McCall’s magazine before becoming senior film critic for Look magazine in 1968.
AP News - Shalit was involved in a car accident in 1994 that broke his leg while he was covering Major League Baseball spring training in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
AP News - Shalit edited a book titled "Laughing Matters: A Celebration of American Humor" in 1987, featuring American humorists like Mark Twain and James Thurber.
AP News - Shalit’s family stated he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.”
Variety - Shalit was described as a "legendary film critic" in the articles following his death.
TMZ - Shalit was noted for being "identifiable as any movie star" due to his personality and appearance.
AP News - Shalit was known for his "groan-inducing puns" during his reviews.
AP News - Shalit was described as "Daniel Boone in a bow tie and Groucho glasses" by The Plain Dealer in 2010.
AP News - Shalit was predeceased in 1978 by his wife, Nancy Lewis, and had six children.
AP News - Shalit joined “Today” as a contributor in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, later settling in for his segment, “Critic’s Corner.”
AP News - Shalit was one of the last high-profile film critics on a major network when he left the show in 2010.
AP News - Guy Ludwig, Shalit’s producer for more than 20 years, described him as having "incredible wit" and "remarkable intelligence" that "amused" and "enlightened" viewers.
AP News - Shalit was regularly mocked on “Saturday Night Live” by cast member Horatio Sanz, who would dress as Shalit and perform extended rants punning the titles of movies he reviewed.
NBC News - The entertainment world is remembering Gene Shalit following his passing.
Deadline - Gene Shalit passed away peacefully at the age of 100.
Variety - Shalit reviewed books and movies on "The Today Show" for 40 years.
NBC News - Shalit was instantly recognizable for his walrus mustache.
WHERE:
Deadline - Shalit was a film critic for NBC's "Today" show.
WHEN:
The Washington Post - Gene Shalit died on June 12.
Variety - Shalit appeared on "The Today Show" from 1970 until his retirement in 2010.
WHY:
Deadline - His family described his life as "an amazing life."
HOW:
AP News - Shalit’s reviews were recorded in his home studio after his leg injury in 1994.
AP News - Shalit began his career as an entertainment columnist for McCall’s magazine before becoming senior film critic for Look magazine in 1968.
AP News - Shalit began reviewing on air the year of “Patton” and “Love Story” and ended his run with a critique of “Shrek Forever After.”
TMZ - Shalit was identifiable as any movie star due to his walrus mustache and exuberant personality.
Variety - Shalit was known for his quirky puns in his film critiques.
(UPDATED June 13, 2026 17:19 UTC)
In a significant tribute to his impact on American media, Shalit was described as "instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America" during his time on the "Today" show. He began his career as an entertainment columnist for McCall’s magazine and later became the senior film critic for Look magazine in 1968. Following a car accident in 1994 that broke his leg while covering Major League Baseball spring training in St. Pete Beach, Florida, Shalit continued to share his insights by recording reviews from his home studio.
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(UPDATED June 13, 2026 15:26 UTC)
Gene Shalit has passed away, as reported by The Washington Post. He was a beloved film critic and television personality known for his unique style and humor. Tributes are pouring in from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating his significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
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(UPDATED June 13, 2026 13:21 UTC)
Legendary film critic Shalit has passed away peacefully at the age of 100, according to statements from his family. Following his death, he was remembered as a figure who was as identifiable as any movie star, thanks to his unique personality and appearance. Tributes are pouring in, celebrating his remarkable life and contributions to the film industry.
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(UPDATED June 13, 2026 09:53 UTC)
Entertainment columnist and film critic Joe Shalit, known for his "groan-inducing puns," began his career at McCall’s magazine before moving on to become the senior film critic for Look magazine in 1968. In 2010, The Plain Dealer famously described him as "Daniel Boone in a bow tie and Groucho glasses." Shalit, who was predeceased in 1978 by his wife Nancy Lewis, leaves behind a legacy and six children.
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(UPDATED June 13, 2026 06:20 UTC)
Renowned film critic Jeffrey Shalit, who joined the "Today" show as a contributor in 1970 and became the arts editor in 1973, left an indelible mark on television with his segment "Critic's Corner." After a remarkable career that began with reviews of iconic films like "Patton" and "Love Story," he concluded his tenure in 2010 with a critique of "Shrek Forever After." Shalit was celebrated for his incredible wit and remarkable intelligence, qualities that not only entertained but also enlightened viewers, even inspiring memorable parodies on "Saturday Night Live."
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(UPDATED June 13, 2026 04:19 UTC)
The entertainment world is paying tribute to Gene Shalit, who was a beloved mainstay on the Today Show. Known for his distinctive walrus mustache and exuberant personality, Shalit was as recognizable as any movie star. Savannah Guthrie from NBC News fondly remembered him, highlighting the impact he had on television and his fans.
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(UPDATED June 13, 2026 01:44 UTC)
Gene Shalit, the beloved film critic known for his bushy hair and walrus mustache, has passed away peacefully at the age of 100. He spent an impressive 40 years reviewing books and movies on NBC's "Today" show, where his quirky puns and distinctive style made him a household name. His family has described his life as "an amazing life," celebrating the impact he had on the world of entertainment.