Gene Shalit, longtime Today show movie critic, dies at 100

Gene Shalit, the iconic movie critic and arts reporter for NBC's Today show, has died at the age of 100. For over four decades, Shalit was a familiar face on morning television, recognized for his signature puffy hair, large handlebar mustache, and penchant for puns. His family confirmed his peaceful death, stating he lived an "amazing life."

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What resonated above his unusual appearance was his incredible wit, his remarkable intelligence. But he didn’t pound you over the head with it. He amused you. He enlightened and amused whatever subject he was on.

Shalit joined the Today show in 1970, becoming its arts editor in 1973 and later establishing his popular "Critic's Corner" segment. When he departed the show in 2010, he was one of the last prominent film critics on a major network. His producer, Guy Ludwig, remembered Shalit's "incredible wit" and "remarkable intelligence," noting that he "amused" and "enlightened" viewers without being overbearing.

Shalit's influence extended beyond television. His tenure coincided with the rise of national movie review programs like "Siskel & Ebert." The Plain Dealer noted in 2010 that Shalit "changed the balance of critical power in America," shifting influence from newspapers and magazines to television. He began his career in magazines, writing for McCall's, Look, and Ladies' Home Journal, before transitioning to television.

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Many critics will give so much of the plot of a movie away that they destroy the movie for the viewer … I just don’t give away the story.

Throughout his career, Shalit offered a range of opinions on films. He praised "Defiance" as a "vivid dramatization" but faced criticism for his remarks on "Brokeback Mountain," for which he later apologized. He also delivered memorable, often pun-laden, reviews for films like "Frozen" and "The Men Who Stare at Goats."

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Shalit was instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America. When he began his ‘Today’ tenure, newspapers and magazines were the primary sources for movie reviews. That’s where cinematic opinion was sparked and shaped.