Gene Shalit Dies at 100
Gene Shalit, the energetic and witty critic known for reviewing films, books, and theater on NBC’s “Today” show, has passed away at the age of 100.
His family confirmed that he died peacefully on Friday, describing his life as remarkable and full of achievements.
Shalit joined the “Today” show in 1968 as a contributor, initially appearing occasionally to discuss books. However, his distinctive personality, rapid-fire humor, and memorable appearance quickly captivated audiences. Recognizing his appeal, NBC increased his presence on the program. In January 1973, the same day he became arts editor, Shalit introduced his signature segment, “Critic’s Corner,” which turned him into a household name. He remained a prominent figure on the show until his retirement in 2010, becoming one of the last regular network television critics.
His longtime producer, Guy Ludwig, affectionately described him as the “foxy grandpa” of the show.
Beyond his humorous reviews, Shalit earned respect for his engaging interview style. Many major Hollywood stars, including Warren Beatty, Barbra Streisand, and Robert De Niro, preferred speaking with him. Actress Sophia Loren, in particular, trusted him deeply and chose him for an exclusive interview during a difficult period in her life, confident he would handle her story with care and fairness.
Shalit’s legacy was celebrated earlier this year when the “Today” show aired a tribute for his 100th birthday, narrated by Al Roker, who praised his legendary presence and charm.
Born Eugene Shalit on March 25, 1926, in New York City, he grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. His passion for journalism began early—he founded his elementary school’s first newspaper and later wrote a humor column in high school. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1949.
Before television, Shalit built a strong career in print journalism. He worked as an entertainment columnist for McCall’s magazine, became a senior film critic for Look magazine, and contributed humor pieces to Ladies’ Home Journal. His clever writing style caught the attention of NBC executives, although his unconventional appearance initially surprised them.
On “Critic’s Corner,” Shalit stood out for his accessible, humorous approach. He avoided overly academic analysis, instead delivering lively and relatable reviews. For example, while discussing the 1997 film “Face/Off,” he jokingly described its far-fetched plot as “entirely reasonable,” showcasing his signature wit.
Throughout his career, Shalit shared the screen with many “Today” show anchors, from Barbara Walters and Tom Brokaw to Katie Couric and Al Roker. While many admired his style, some criticism emerged. In 1989, a leaked internal memo from co-host Bryant Gumbel questioned the quality and timeliness of Shalit’s reviews and interviews.
Despite differing opinions, Shalit remained confident in his individuality as a critic. In an interview, when asked which reviewers he respected, he humorously answered, “Gene Shalit,” emphasizing the importance of independent thinking in criticism.
He took his role seriously, often watching films that audiences might avoid and insisting on staying until the very end, regardless of quality. His dedication stemmed from a genuine love for his craft.
Shalit’s larger-than-life personality made him a frequent subject of parody in popular culture. Comedians portrayed him on “Saturday Night Live,” while animated shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Family Guy” also featured versions of his character. He even voiced a parody of himself in “SpongeBob.”
In his personal life, Shalit was married to Nancy Lewis for 28 years until her death in 1978. He never remarried. The couple had six children: Peter, Willa, Emily, Amanda, Nevin, and Andrew. His daughter Emily passed away in 2012 after battling ovarian cancer.
Gene Shalit leaves behind a legacy of humor, originality, and dedication that made him one of television’s most recognizable and beloved critics.