Gene Shalit dead at 100: Iconic Today show movie critic with bold mustache spent 40 years on the air
Former Today show critic Gene Shalit, who worked on the morning show for 40 years, has died at age 100.
Throughout his iconic career, the movie critic worked alongside Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, and disgraced anchor Matt Lauer.
His family announced his death on Friday via NBC News.
Shalit ‘passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life,’ his loved ones said in a statement, calling his time on Today ‘an extraordinary era.’
His death comes nearly three months after he celebrated his milestone centennial birthday.
The moment was commemorated on the Today show, with Al Roker announcing at the time: ‘He is ringing in 100 by enjoying that fresh air in the Berkshires with his six kids, 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
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.
He went on to become Dick Clark’s press agent, before leaving the position and becoming a magazine writer.
He famously worked alongside Barbara Walters and Frank McGee; pictured in 1973
