Gene Shalit, longtime 'Today' show movie critic, dies at 100
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Gene Shalit, the longtime movie critic and arts reporter for NBC's "Today" show known for his distinctive appearance and pun-filled reviews, has died at the age of 100.
- Shalit joined "Today" in 1970, became arts editor in 1973, and was a prominent film critic on network television until his retirement in 2010.
- He was influential in shifting film criticism from print to television, known for his witty, middle-of-the-road reviews and memorable on-air personality.
- Shalit’s career began in magazines before moving to TV, and he was known for his humorous style, occasional controversies, and appearances on shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "Sesame Street."
- He was predeceased by his wife Nancy Lewis and is survived by six children.