Gene Shalit, the longtime Today show film critic known for his distinctive style and four-decade run on the program, has died at 100.
Shalit spent 40 years on the NBC morning show, where he appeared alongside broadcast figures including Barbara Walters, Katie Couric and former anchor Matt Lauer.
His family confirmed the news Friday in a statement shared with NBC News.
“He passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life,” his loved ones said, describing his years on Today as “an extraordinary era.”
Shalit’s death comes less than three months after he marked his 100th birthday.
The milestone was celebrated on Today, where Al Roker said Shalit was welcoming the occasion by enjoying “that fresh air in the Berkshires” with his six children and five grandchildren.
Former Today show critic Gene Shalit, who worked on the morning show for 40 years, has died at age 100; pictured in 1973
L-R Matt Lauer, Shalit, Bryant Gumbel, Willard Scott, and Katie Couric; pictured in 1999
Shalit, whose recognizable bold mustache became a signature part of his look, was born in New York City in 1926.
He was raised in New Jersey and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts degree in science and letters in 1949.
Before graduating, he showed promise as a writer while penning the columns What Shalit Be? and Campus Scout for The Daily Illini, per The Hollywood Reporter.
He went on to become Dick Clark’s press agent, before leaving the position and becoming a magazine writer.
Shalit, whose full name Eugene was shortened amid his public-facing career, first appeared on Today in a part-time capacity.
His Critics Corner segment became part of the show’s regular broadcast in 1968.
Shalit first reviewed books monthly, and later transitioned to a full-time role from 1973-1995.
He also notably interviewed big-name celebrities including Carol Channing, Sophia Loren, and Steven Spielberg.
The writer’s reviews were beloved and recognized for being rich in humor and wit.
He famously worked alongside Barbara Walters and Frank McGee; pictured in 1973
His Critics Corner segment became part of the show’s regular broadcast in 1968; seen in 1982
He notably interviewed big-name celebrities including Sophia Loren; pictured in 1980
In addition to a reputation for his punchy prose, he was also widely recognized for his unmistakable looks.
Eugene Levy parodied him on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, while he was also portrayed by Horatio Sanz on Saturday Night Live.
A Muppets character was made in his likeness, and turned into an animated character on SpongeBob Squarepants, which he voiced.
He was even portrayed on an episode of Family Guy.
Shalit wed Nancy Lewis in 1950 and they shared Peter, Willa, Andrew, Nevin, Emily and Amanda.
The father of six was widowed upon his wife’s death from cancer in 1978, and he never remarried.
