'Today Show' Critic Was 100
Variety • • general
Key Points:
- Gene Shalit, the longtime television personality known for his book and movie reviews on NBC’s “The Today Show,” passed away peacefully at the age of 100.
- Shalit appeared on “The Today Show” from 1970 until his retirement in 2010, becoming famous for his signature bow ties, large glasses, and pun-filled “Critic’s Corner” segments.
- Beyond reviews, he conducted celebrity interviews with figures such as Steven Spielberg and Sophia Loren, earning praise for his engaging style.
- Shalit’s distinctive persona led to appearances and parodies in popular shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Family Guy,” “The Critic,” and “Saturday Night Live.”
- Born in New York City, Shalit had a diverse career including writing for major publications, authoring humor books, and broadcasting radio essays, and is survived by two children.