NEW YORK – Gene Shalit, a beloved movie critic and arts reporter known for his distinctive style and humorous puns, has passed away at the age of 100. His family shared the news, stating he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.”
Shalit joined the “Today” show in 1970 and became the arts editor in 1973, where he made his mark with his segment, “Critic’s Corner.” When he retired in 2010, he was among the last prominent film critics on television.
His producer, Guy Ludwig, described Shalit as someone whose wit and intelligence were engaging and enlightening rather than overwhelming. Shalit contributed to a shift in movie criticism, moving it from newspapers to television, where he became a household name.
Before joining NBC, Shalit worked as an entertainment columnist for McCall’s and later became the senior film critic for Look magazine. His magazine success led to his eventual role on “Today.” Shalit was known for his unique appearance, featuring puffy hair and a handlebar mustache, which made a strong impression on viewers.
On air, Shalit was known for his middle-of-the-road criticism. He famously remarked that the movie “Stand By Me” was “engrossing” rather than “grossing you out.” His reviews did not spoil the plots, allowing audiences to enjoy the films without prior knowledge of the story.
Throughout his career, Shalit shared memorable opinions on numerous films. He praised “Enemy at the Gates” as a vivid dramatization of history, while he controversially labeled “Brokeback Mountain” as “wildly overpraised.” His playful language extended to films like “Frozen,” which he described as “very cool,” and he offered pun-filled critiques like calling “King Kong” “gargantuan” and “The Lovely Bones” as having “no bones about it.”
Shalit’s career began in New York, where he grew up and eventually started a school newspaper. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949, and his love for humor led him to edit a book titled “Laughing Matters: A Celebration of American Humor” in 1987. He also made cameo appearances on popular shows like “Sesame Street” and “Family Guy,” showcasing his broad appeal across generations.
Gene Shalit was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Lewis, in 1978, and is survived by six children. His legacy as a pioneer in television film criticism and his unique style will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
This article has been corrected to clarify that Shalit liked “Enemy at the Gates,” not “Defiance.”
