Gene Shalit, ‘TODAY’ show movie critic, dies at 100
The iconic film critic, known for his signature walrus mustache and quirky puns, passed away peacefully after a career spanning four decades on NBC
Gene Shalit, the longtime film critic for NBC's "TODAY" show who was instantly recognizable for his signature walrus mustache and mussed-up hair, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement to NBC News, stating that Shalit passed away peacefully on Friday "after 100 years of an amazing life."[1][2][3]
Shalit first began his long career at "The Today Show" in 1970. For four decades, he served as the morning program's critic, reviewing both books and motion pictures. Over his forty years on the air, Shalit became a household name, widely known for his distinctive appearance and his penchant for delivering quirky puns to his audience.[1][2][3]
His humorous and pun-filled writing style was a hallmark of his reviews. In one of his notable critiques, Shalit wrote of the classic thriller "The Silence of the Lambs" that the film "may be all wool, and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn."[1][2]
