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Gene Shalit, longtime 'Today' show movie critic, dies at 100

NPR News Saturday 13 June 2026, 01:01 UTC By The Associated Press 1 min read

Key Points

Today show cast and crew at the end of Katie Couric's final show on May 31, 2006, in New York.'/>Known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and a love for puns, Gene Shalit joined Today in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973. He was a middle-of-the-road critic, known for his wit and intelligence.

Today show cast and crew at the end of Katie Couric's final show on May 31, 2006, in New York.'/>

Known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and a love for puns, Gene Shalit joined Today in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973. He was a middle-of-the-road critic, known for his wit and intelligence.

(Image credit: Richard Drew)

Gene Shalit (PERSON) Katie Couric's (PERSON) New York (LOCATION) Richard Drew (PERSON)

Originally published by NPR News Read original →

Beloved movie critic and arts reporter was known for bushy hair and mustache and affection for groan-inducing punsGene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for the Today show over four decades who was known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and affection for groan-inducing puns, has died. He was 100.Shalit’s family announced the death Friday to NBC News, saying in a statement that he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life”.

The Guardian UK 2h ago

Gene Shalit, Film Critic Bristling With Hair and Puns, Dies at 100

With his handlebar mustache, bushy hair, black horn-rimmed glasses and extravagant bow ties, he was one of the nation’s most recognizable characters.

New York Times 2h ago

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Times of India 2h ago

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Channel News Asia 3h ago

Gene Shalit, longtime 'Today' show movie critic, dies at 100

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