Gene Shalit, longtime ‘Today’ show movie critic with bushy hair and massive mustache, dies at 100

US US 5 min read Gene Shalit, longtime ‘Today’ show movie critic with bushy hair and massive mustache, dies at 100 By Associated Press 6 hr ago Film critic Gene Shalit, pictured in 1982, “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life," his family said. Film critic Gene Shalit, pictured in 1982, ... New YorkAP — Gene 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.” Shalit joined “Today” as a contributor in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, later settling in for his segment, “Critic’s Corner.” When he left the show in 2010, he was one of the last high-profile film critics on a major network.