Gene Shalit, the movie critic who became a fixture on NBC's Today show for more than three decades, died at age 100. Known for his trademark bushy mustache and distinctive hair, Shalit reviewed films for American television audiences from the 1970s until his retirement in 2010.
Shalit joined the Today show and brought film criticism to morning television at a time when movie reviews were primarily found in newspapers and magazines. His accessible style and wordplay made him a recognizable presence in American households for generations. He delivered his reviews with a distinctive approach that combined critical analysis with puns and humor.
Throughout his career on Today, Shalit reviewed thousands of films across multiple decades of cinema. He witnessed and reported on major shifts in the film industry, from the New Hollywood era of the 1970s through the digital age of the 2000s. His longevity on the program made him one of the longest-serving personalities in morning television news.
Shalit's appearance became as well known as his reviews. His oversized mustache and wild hair made him instantly recognizable and became part of American pop culture. He maintained his presence on Today through numerous anchor changes and format shifts, remaining a constant for viewers who relied on his opinions before heading to movie theaters.
He retired from the Today show in 2010 after decades of service to NBC News. His death marks the end of an era in television film criticism, when network morning shows featured dedicated movie reviewers as regular segments. Shalit's approach to bringing film criticism to mass audiences helped shape how Americans engaged with movies and entertainment coverage on television.