Gene Shalit, Today Show Film Critic with Iconic Mustache, Dies at 100

Gene Shalit, the film critic known for his oversized mustache and pun-filled reviews on NBC's Today show, died Friday at age 100. His family confirmed he passed peacefully. Shalit joined Today in 1970 as a book reviewer, replacing Joe Garagiola in 1973. Over four decades, he interviewed stars like Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, and Robin Williams, and his 'Critic's Corner' became a beloved segment. His reviews were memorable for their wordplay, such as calling Ishtar 'ish horrible' and describing The Silence of the Lambs as 'a terrific yarn.' Shalit's disheveled look inspired parodies on SCTV, Saturday Night Live, The Muppets, and Family Guy. Born in New York City on March 25, 1926, he later moved to Morristown, New Jersey. He studied at the University of Illinois, worked for The Daily Illini, and held PR roles including representing Dick Clark. He wrote for McCall's, Look, Ladies' Home Journal, and contributed to Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, and The New York Times. His 2005 review of Brokeback Mountain sparked controversy for calling Jake Gyllenhaal's character a 'sexual predator,' drawing criticism from GLAAD. Shalit married Nancy Lewis in 1950; they had six children. Nancy died in 1978, and daughter Emily died in 2012.