Gene Shalit, Longtime ‘Today Show’ Film Critic, Dies at 100
10 verified5 unconfirmed2 contested
Gene Shalit, the bushy-haired and mustachioed film critic known for his pun-filled reviews on NBC’s “The Today Show,” died Friday at age 100. His family announced to NBC News that he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.” Shalit appeared on the morning program for 40 years, from 1970 until his retirement in 2010, reviewing books and movies during the “Critic’s Corner” segment. He became one of the most recognizable film critics in the U.S., known for his signature bow ties, large glasses, and lively interviews with celebrities from Steven Spielberg to Sophia Loren. His distinctive look and style led to numerous parodies and animated cameos, including voicing a fish food critic on “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Earlier in his career, Shalit worked as a press agent for Dick Clark and contributed to publications including Look, Ladies’ Home Journal, TV Guide, and The New York Times. He is survived by a son and a daughter; his wife, Nancy Lewis, and another daughter predeceased him.
What’s verified
Gene Shalit died Friday at age 100, with his family confirming his passing to NBC News.
He was a mainstay on NBC’s “The Today Show” from 1970 until his retirement in 2010, handling book and film reviews in “Critic’s Corner” segments.
Shalit was known for his bushy mustache, oversized hair, bow ties, and frequent use of puns in his reviews.
He interviewed numerous major celebrities, including Steven Spielberg, Sophia Loren, and Robin Williams.
His look and personality were parodied on multiple TV shows, including “Family Guy,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Muppets,” “The Critic,” and “The Muppet Show,” with Shalit voicing some animated versions himself.
He also broadcast a daily radio essay segment called “Man About Anything” for NBC Radio Network, from the early 1970s to the early 1980s.
Early in his career, he worked as a press agent, with Dick Clark among his clients.
He was married to Nancy Lewis, who died in 1978; one of their daughters, Emily, also predeceased him.
Shalit is survived by a son, Peter, and a daughter (Willa, named by one source).
He authored four books of humor and contributed to multiple national magazines.
Where accounts differ
The exact timeline for his radio segment “Man About Anything” differs: one source says it ran from 1970 to 1982, while another says 1969 to 1982.
Regarding the payola investigation involving Dick Clark, one source states Shalit’s job as Clark’s press agent “ended during a Congressional investigation of payola.” Another source reports that Shalit “dropped him” when Clark was called to testify, with Clark later calling Shalit a “jellyfish.” The sources agree on the existence of the investigation but differ on who ended the professional relationship.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source mentions a specific controversial review of “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) in which Shalit described a character as a “sexual predator,” triggering criticism from GLAAD and a defense from his son Peter.
Only one source provides the detailed early biography, including his move to Morristown, New Jersey, his time as sports editor at the University of Illinois, and his grammar school newspaper creation.
Only one source includes quotes from Katie Couric (upon Shalit’s retirement) and Meredith Vieira (“He is the Today show”).
Only one source lists the names of all six of Shalit’s children (Peter, Willa, Andrew, Nevin, Emily, Amanda).
It is not clear from the sources the exact date of his birth (one source says March 25, 1926) or his specific education timeline (one source says he took six years to earn his degree; the other only notes he graduated from the University of Illinois).
Key figures
Gene Shalit: television personality, film and book critic on “The Today Show.”
Nancy Lewis: Shalit’s late wife.
Peter Shalit: son.
Emily Shalit: deceased daughter.
Dick Clark: former client during Shalit’s time as a press agent.
Various “Today Show” anchors and celebrity interviewees are mentioned but not central figures.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
