Gene Shalit, popular ‘Today’ film critic, dies at 100

Gene Shalit, the veteran film critic and arts commentator who became one of the most recognizable faces on American television during his four decades on NBC’s Today show, has died at the age of 100.

“Today” critic Gene Shalit dies

Shalit’s family confirmed he died peacefully on Friday and described him as having lived “100 years of an amazing life”. His death marks the end of a career that spanned print journalism, radio and television, during which he became one of the most influential and enduring voices in entertainment criticism.

Known for his signature bushy moustache, unruly hair, oversized glasses and colorful bow ties, Shalit has stood aside from mainstream critics. Yet behind the eccentric image was a sharp cultural observer whose reviews reached millions of viewers across the United States. His blend of humor, accessibility and puns made him a household name at a time when film criticism was becoming a prominent part of television culture.

Four decades on morning television

Shalit joined NBC’s Today program as a contributor in 1970 before becoming the show’s full-time arts editor and critic in 1973. He remained part of the program until his retirement in 2010, reviewing films, books and theater productions while interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment.

His long-running “Critic’s Corner” segment became a staple of American morning television and helped establish the role of television critics at a time when public discussion of movies was dominated by newspaper reviewers. Media observers credited Šalita with helping shift critical influence from print publications to television audiences.

Off-screen career

Before becoming a television personality, Shalit built a successful career as a writer, contributing to publications including Look, Ladies’ Home Journal, TV Guide and The New York Times. He also hosted radio programs and appeared on popular television game shows, further expanding his public profile.

Born in New York City in 1926 and raised in New Jersey, Shalit developed an early interest in journalism and writing. His career eventually spanned more than six decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in American media.

Beyond his reviews, Shalit has become a pop culture figure in his own right. His distinctive appearance and witty style have often been parodied on television programs from Saturday Night Live to animated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants.

While film criticism has evolved dramatically during the digital era, Shalit has remained closely associated with the period when television critics could shape public opinion about major releases and become celebrities themselves. Alongside contemporaries such as film reviewers Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, he helped bring film criticism into mainstream entertainment reporting.

Shalit retired from Today in 2010 after roughly 40 years with the program, leaving behind a legacy defined by curiosity, humor and a distinctive voice instantly recognized by generations of viewers. He is survived by his six children.