Gene Shalit Dies: Longtime ‘Today’ Show Movie Critic Was 100

Gene Shalit, the longtime film critic for Today show, known for his quirky puns and signature walrus mustache, has died. He was 100.

His family tells NBC News in a statement, Shalit passed away peacefully today (Friday) after 100 years of an amazing life.”

Shalit began his long career at The Today Show in 1970s, where he began part-time and became a contributor three years later. He retired on November 11, 2020.

Known for his frequent use of puns and his comical “absent-minded professor” appearance, which included a handlebar moustache, fuzzy hair, large glasses, and colorful bow ties, Shalit became one of the most recognizable faces on television.

During his tenure of more than 37 years at Today and film and book critic, Shalit reviewed thousands of films, many of which were generally positive assessments, which drew criticism from his peers for his lack of rigor, evidenced in parodies by rival film critics such as Siskel & Ebert.

His review of the 1980 horror film The Shining is considered by many to be his most notable. Veering away from the consensus, he panned the film shortly after its release, criticizing it for lacking the depth and scariness expected from a major Stephen King adaptation and failing to live up to its hype.

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