Legendary Today Show Movie Critic Gene Shalit Dies at 100

Gene Shalit started his television career in 1970 as a part-time contributor to TODAY, becoming a full-time movie critic three years later. He gained widespread recognition for reviewing all types of films, from big hits to critically acclaimed pictures, until his retirement in 2010. Shalit wasn’t just known for what he thought of movies, but how he shared his opinions. His “Critics Corner” segments were famous for his vibrant personality and reviews filled with puns and clever jokes. He became a pop culture figure, even being parodied on Saturday Night Live and appearing as an animated character. Shalit himself voiced animated versions of himself on shows like The Critic and SpongeBob SquarePants.


