Gene Shalit, longtime ‘Today’ show movie critic with bushy hair and massive mustache, dies at 100

Gene Shalit, Longtime ‘Today’ Show Movie Critic, Dies at 100

Gene Shalit longtime Today show movie – Gene Shalit, the iconic movie critic and arts reporter who spent over four decades as a key figure on the “Today” show, has passed away at the age of 100. His family announced the news through NBC News, stating he “died peacefully today after a lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments.” Shalit’s legacy as a media personality, defined by his signature mustache, voluminous hair, and signature wit, will endure as a unique blend of humor and insight that captivated audiences for decades.

A Career Shaped by Television and Print

Shalit’s journey to the “Today” show began in the world of magazines. He first gained prominence as an entertainment columnist for McCall’s before transitioning to Look as a senior film critic in 1968. His work with Ladies’ Home Journal further established his reputation as a sharp and accessible voice in film analysis. The shift to television came in 1970, when he joined the “Today” show as a contributor. By 1973, he had become the arts editor, and his “Critic’s Corner” segment quickly became a beloved staple of the program.

Shalit’s early days on the show were marked by his distinctive appearance. The network’s executives, unfamiliar with his flamboyant look, initially joked about his suitability for radio. As producer Guy Ludwig recalled, the first meeting with Shalit left one executive pondering, “Have you ever considered radio?” This moment underscored the contrast between Shalit’s bold persona and the traditional expectations of morning television. Yet, his signature style—think “Daniel Boone in a bow tie and Groucho glasses”—became a defining trait of his brand, as humorist John Belushi once humorously remarked about his hair: “It looks like an ant farm on fire.”

Revolutionizing Film Criticism on Television

Shalit’s presence on the “Today” show played a transformative role in American film criticism. Before his tenure, cinematic analysis primarily lived in print, confined to newspapers and magazines. His platform helped bridge that gap, bringing thoughtful reviews to a broader audience. This shift mirrored the rise of other TV critics, such as Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, whose “Sneak Previews” expanded from local Chicago broadcasts to national PBS coverage in the late 1970s. Similarly, “Good Morning America” added Joel Siegel as its movie critic in 1981, reflecting the growing influence of television in shaping public discourse on cinema.

Shalit’s approach to film reviews was both engaging and strategic. He famously emphasized the importance of maintaining suspense, stating, “Many critics will give away the plot of a movie so completely that they ruin it for the viewer. I keep it just light enough to let the story breathe.” This philosophy was evident in his critiques, such as his praise for “Stand By Me,” which he called “different from other youth-centric films because it doesn’t gross you out—it engrosses.” His ability to merge humor with astute analysis made him a standout figure, even as he occasionally sparked debate, like his assessment of “Brokeback Mountain,” which he called “wildly overpraised, but not by me.”

Iconic Phrases and Lasting Influence

Shalit’s reviews were more than critiques—they were cultural artifacts. He had a knack for transforming film titles into memorable phrases, as seen in his quip about “The Men Who Stare at Goats”: “Its oddball name is heard to bleat.” His description of “The Lovely Bones” included the line, “There’s no bones about it,” blending playful language with meaningful commentary. These phrases, coupled with his signature look, cemented his image as a larger-than-life personality.

His legacy extends beyond the “Today” show, with his contributions to media shaping how film reviews are delivered today. Shalit’s unique style—combining accessibility with intellectual depth—remains a benchmark for entertainment journalism. His work reminded viewers that criticism could be both informative and entertaining, a balance that defined his career. As he once said, “A good movie review is like a good punchline: it needs to land with precision and leave a lasting impression.”

A Personal Touch in Professional Reviews

Shalit’s personality shone through in his work, whether during interviews or on-air critiques. His conversations with guests were marked by warmth and curiosity, as demonstrated in a 1981 segment with John Belushi, where he asked the comedian, “What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?” Belushi’s response—“Fiddler on the Roof”—highlighted Shalit’s ability to draw out insightful, reflective answers. His rapport with anchors like Edwin Newman and Barbara Walters also reflected a deep connection to the show’s dynamic, further embedding him in its history.

Even in his later years, Shalit remained a fixture of the “Today” show, offering perspectives that balanced humor with cultural commentary. His final years saw him continue to engage with audiences, sharing his love for films and his signature wit. As a longtime “Today” show movie critic, his influence will be felt in the way entertainment journalism is practiced, ensuring his voice remains part of the conversation for generations to come.