Gene Shalit, a renowned movie critic known for his long run on The Today Show, has passed away at the age of 100. His family confirmed the news of his demise on Friday.
Gene Shalit passes away at 100
Before retiring in 2010, Gene Shalit spent nearly 4 decades on Today. His family, while speaking to NBC News, said that the beloved face of the industry “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.” They described his working years as the “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, was raised in New Jersey. He inclined toward journalism at a very young age. He wrote for both his high school newspaper and his college paper. Shalit began his career in print journalism and joined Today part-time in 1969 with his ‘Critics Corner’ segment, as reported by People. He soon became one of the most renowned book and film critics.Gene Shalit was known for his wit and charisma. With his pun-filled takes on American films and his on-air persona, which had a signature handlebar mustache, glasses, and bow ties, he kept the audience engaged. His distinctive take on movies is still remembered. One of his classic reviews was of a 1991 horror classic. He said, “The Silence of the Lambs may be all wool and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn,” according to NBC newsWhen he retired in 2010, the then-executive producer of Today, Jim Bell, shared, “Gene is not just a Today Show treasure but a television legend and an American icon.” He added, “We salute him for his unprecedented 40-year run on a single television program, a feat unlikely to ever be matched.”Also, it is worth noting that Shalit’s reach of pop culture was not limited to just reviews. He lent his voice to a cartoon version of himself, Gene Scallop, on SpongeBob SquarePants. Even parodied on Family Guy, Saturday Night Live, and SCTV.On March 25, 2026, he turned 100, and it was a special birthday indeed. It was marked by a special feature run by the show that had his recent photo. “He is ringing in 100 by enjoying that fresh air in the Berkshires with his six kids, five grandchildren,” Al Roker said.Coming to his personal life. He tied the knot in 1950 with Nancy Lewis. She passed away in 1978. They had six children, including artist Willa Shalit and Peter.