Gene Shalit: A Celebrated Film Critic’s Legacy

Gene Shalit, known for his role as a film critic on NBC’s ‘TODAY’ show for 40 years, passed away on Friday. His family announced his peaceful passing, marking the end of a century-long life.

Beginning as a part-time ‘TODAY’ contributor in 1970, Shalit transitioned to a full-time position by 1973. His distinctive style, complete with a signature walrus mustache and vibrant bowties, made him a household name. Viewers cherished his use of lively wordplay and puns during the ‘Critics Corner’ segment.

An example of his playful reviews is his take on ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ He remarked, “‘The Silence of the Lambs’ may be all wool and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn.” The movie later secured the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards.

Shalit was candid in his critiques. Displeased with the movie ‘X-Men,’ he noted, “It should be taken with two aspirin.” Of Judd Apatow’s ‘Funny People,’ he quipped that it was “passable, speaking colonically.” Beyond Hollywood reviews, Shalit conducted interviews with prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford, often blending serious and whimsical questions.

His career commenced in print journalism. He was a senior film critic for Look Magazine and contributed to the ‘What’s Happening?’ page for Ladies Home Journal for over a decade. He authored pieces for The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and other notable publications.

From 1969 to 1982, Shalit delivered a daily ‘Man About Anything’ essay on NBC radio. He was also a panelist on game shows like ‘What’s My Line?’ and ‘To Tell The Truth.’

Gene Shalit was born on March 25, 1926, in New York. Growing up in New Jersey, he initiated his school’s first newspaper, The Spotlight, during his elementary school days. He later contributed humor columns in high school.

Shalit graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949, showcasing his journalism prowess as a sports editor and columnist for The Daily Illini. He worked as a reporter in the Twin Cities and as a freelancer for The Associated Press.

National recognition came with his role on the ‘TODAY’ show, where his unique coverage and offbeat antics were popular. Former co-host Meredith Vieira praised his contributions, stating, “It’s hard to imagine not having him here. He is the ‘TODAY’ show.”

In later years, Shalit withdrew from public life. He was married to Nancy Lewis from 1950 until her passing in 1978.