Gene Shalit, Film Critic Bristling With Hair and Puns, Dies at 100
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Gene Shalit, known for his whimsical and pun-filled movie reviews on NBC’s "Today" show, died at the age of 100, marking the end of one of the longest tenures on American television.
- Shalit was a beloved cultural critic whose “Critic’s Corner” segment provided millions of viewers with literate and humorous commentary, becoming a staple of the morning show.
- His distinctive style included memorable puns, such as calling the 1987 comedy “Ishtar” “ish tarrible” and humorously critiquing the 1974 film “The Longest Yard.”
- NBC announced Shalit’s death via a family statement, though no additional details were immediately released.