Gene Shalit, longtime 'Today' show movie critic, dies at 100
NPR • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Gene Shalit, the distinctive and long-serving movie critic for NBC's "Today" show known for his puffy hair, mustache, and pun-filled reviews, has died at age 100.
- Shalit joined "Today" in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, hosting the popular "Critic's Corner" segment until his departure in 2010, making him one of the last major network film critics.
- He was praised for his wit and intelligence, influencing the shift of movie criticism from print media to television during his career, and was known for avoiding plot spoilers in his reviews.
- Shalit’s critiques ranged widely, from praising films like "Defiance" and "The Color Purple" to controversial comments on "Brokeback Mountain," for which he later apologized.
- Beyond criticism, Shalit was a cultural figure who appeared on shows like "Saturday Night Live," "Sesame Street," and "Family Guy," and authored a book celebrating American humor.