The legendary Today show movie critic Gene Shalit has passed away at the age of 100. According to the Hollywood Reporter, he was 100 years old.
His family released a statement confirming his passing. They explained that Shalit "passed away peacefully today [June 12] after 100 years of an amazing life."
He was most well-known for being a mainstay of NBC's Today show. He was also an iconic part of the show, critiquing movies with his iconic large mustache and even larger array of puns.
Meredith Vieira, the co-host of the show, described him by saying, "He is the Todayshow." Shalit started as a book reviewer in 1970 and rose to prominence after replacing Joe Garagiola. He was known for being a more entertaining part of the show, serving as a foil to much heavier news.
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The 'Today' Show Critic Was Known for His Witty Puns
If there's one thing Shalit can be remembered by, it's the hilarious way he critiqued shows.
One of his most iconic reviews was of 1992's Oscar-winning The Silence Of The Lambs. He said of the movie, "The Silence of the Lambs may be all wool, and a yard wide, but it makes a terrific yarn."
And of 1987's Ishtar, he was a little more curt: "Two words: Ishtar ish horrible."
But it was his quick wit that also carried him through his early career. He was both an entertainment columnist and a PR firm agent throughout the 50s and 60s, before his introduction to the Today show.
Fans Mourn the Loss of a TV Legend
Fans on social media have mourned the loss of a true TV legend.
Commenters were quick to highlight his iconic moustache. One wrote, "Pour one out for the dude, he knew his brand and OWNED it."
Others noted his legendary reviews. "I loved his review of Die Hard: 'So many actors are killed in this movie, they should be listed in their order of disappearance." Another commenter said, "I remember him reviewing 'Jaws' in 1975 - he always presented things with a certain sense of humor."
Rest in peace to a true titan, 100 years well lived.
