Beloved 'Today' Movie Critic Gene Shalit Dies at 100

It feels almost surreal, but the world said goodbye to Gene Shalit on March 26, 2026 – just a day after the man turned a full hundred years old. The man with the bushy hair, the unmistakable mustache, and the booming, friendly voice that echoed through morning kitchens for more than four decades has finally taken his final bow.

Born on March 25, 1926, in New York City, Shalit grew up in a family that loved movies the way most of us love a good cup of coffee. He studied at Brooklyn College, flirted with journalism, and eventually found his way to the "Today" show in 1970. What started as a modest segment turned into a beloved institution. Every weekday, millions of viewers woke up to his rapid-fire reviews, peppered with quips like “Wow, that was something else!” and “A delightful dessert for the eyes.”

People often recall his signature catch‑phrase, “Let's give it a ‘thumbs‑up’ or a ‘thumbs‑down.’” But beyond the jokes, Gene had an uncanny ability to cut through the hype and tell you, in plain English, whether a film was worth your time. He could make you laugh at a terrible plot twist and, just as easily, help you discover a hidden gem.

His style was, frankly, unforgettable. Imagine a man who walked onto a set with a hairdo that seemed to have a life of its own, a moustache that could have been its own character, and a laugh that sounded like a warm embrace. He wasn’t just a critic; he was a personality, a piece of morning ritual. Even his occasional mispronunciations—like calling “The Godfather” “The Good‑father”—only added to his charm.

Colleagues on "Today" often describe him as a gentle soul who loved a good story, whether it was on the silver screen or in the newsroom. Former co‑host Meredith Vieira once said, “Gene taught us that criticism doesn’t have to be harsh; it can be kind, witty, and, most importantly, human.” That sentiment seemed to capture the essence of his decades‑long career.

Beyond the studio lights, Gene was a devoted husband to his wife, Nancy, and a proud father to two children. He kept a low‑key personal life, preferring to let his work speak for itself. Friends remember him as a man who never stopped learning, still watching movies late at night, still jotting down notes on a yellow legal pad, even after his retirement in 2009.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence lives on. Younger critics often cite Shalit’s willingness to blend humor with honest appraisal as a template for modern reviews. And somewhere, perhaps, a new generation of viewers still laughs at his “It’s a “stinker!”” line, even if they’ve never seen the original broadcast.

In the words of a longtime fan who wrote to the "Today" show, “Gene made my mornings brighter. He made me think, he made me smile, and occasionally, he made me cry—especially when a beloved movie didn’t live up to the hype.” It’s a sentiment echoed by countless others who grew up hearing his enthusiastic commentary while munching on cereal.

As the news spreads, social media is awash with tributes. Celebrities, fellow critics, and everyday fans are sharing favorite clips, memorable one‑liners, and, of course, photos of that iconic moustache. It’s clear that Gene Shalit’s legacy is not just a pile of old newspaper clippings—it’s a living, breathing piece of pop culture that continues to spark conversation.

Rest in peace, Gene. Your voice may have quieted, but the echo of your laughter and the sparkle of your insight will keep humming through the kitchens and living rooms of America for many mornings to come.