Legendary film critic Gene Shalit, known for his long appearances on NBC’s “Today” show, passed away on Friday, June 12, NBC reported. He was 100 years old.
Sharit “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of a remarkable life,” her family told NBC News in a statement.
Shalit became a beloved figure in American media thanks to his unique, pun-filled take on American movies and on-air persona that included a handlebar mustache, glasses, and a bow tie.
His career began in print journalism, including Ladies’ Home Journal and The New York Times. He joined the “Today” show as a contributor in 1970 and became a full-time book and film critic three years later, a role he held for another 37 years.
When he turned 100 on March 25, “Today” commemorated the occasion with a photo of him on a Smucker’s jam jar, a longtime network tradition, and Al Roker sent birthday wishes to his former colleague.
Jean Shalit, eternal movie buff
As Today’s go-to film critic, Shalit took a much different approach than competitors like Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. Although the criticism can be harsh, Sharit often smokes a cigar and performs the fun, pun-filled songs from “Critics Corner.” Viewers liked his generous approach, but some said he lacked a critical eye.
Sharit approached the task with wit and humor, and although he was also a true movie buff, he did not hold back from negative reviews. “Two words, Ishtar.” ish It’s terrible,” he said of the 1987 flop starring Dustin Hoffman.
In addition, a review of “Brokeback Mountain” caused controversy by describing Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, as a “sexual predator” of Ennis, played by Heath Ledger. GLAAD spoke out against the review, calling it “ignorant and irresponsible,” and Sharit apologized, adding that he regretted the “emotional distress” he had caused.
In addition to critical opinions, Shalit interviewed Hollywood greats, from the then-little-known Star Wars star (he called Harrison Ford, “the only actor named after two presidents”) to Oprah Winfrey, who was nominated for an Oscar for The Color Purple.
His persona inspired parodies such as “Saturday Night Live” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” fish food critic “Gene Scallops.”
“He was a naturally funny guy,” fellow critic Leonard Maltin told NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network. “I think at times he was more interested in smart cracks than cold judgment in movies. Maybe that’s what his producers wanted.”
Jean Shalit’s early days
Shalit was born in New York, but grew up in Newark and Morristown, New Jersey, where his father owned a drug store. But as a young man, he was bitten by the journalism bug. While in high school, he created the first school newspaper, Spotlight. and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he wrote for the Daily Illini.
Early in his career, Shalit worked behind the scenes in the media industry, working as Dick Clark’s press agent. But when Mr. Clark became embroiled in the “Payola” scandal, which led to a parliamentary investigation into the illegal practice of record companies playing songs to DJs, Mr. Shalit quit representing Mr. Clark, and the two never spoke again. (“Jean Shalit was a jellyfish,” Clark told The New York Times in 2011.)
He returned to writing in 1967, working for the NBC radio network before joining the “Today” show.
“He was someone who was known around the office as a funny guy,” Martin said. “And someone said you’re too funny to work in public relations. I’m going to put you on the air.”
Martin credits Shalit with launching his career. “Specifically, when I was a writer and I was young, I ended up on the Today show,” he said. “They always do a pre-interview with you, and he came into the dressing room with me and said, ‘Do I have to follow the list?’ And I said, ‘No, ask me anything.’ And we had a very nice conversation. ”
Shalit didn’t just save his humor for the screen. He was just as funny in real life. “How do I know this? My wife and I were at a screening of ‘Texas’ Best Little Whore,’ ” Martin said. “And my wife leaned over and gave me a smart argument about how bad this movie was. And sitting behind us was Jean Shalit, and he said, ‘Would you please sit up straight again and block my view?’
Sharit was married to Nancy Lewis for 28 years until her death from cancer in 1978. They had six children, including Willa Shalit.
in his book great hollywood witIn a collection of “zingers” from industry insiders, he writes, “Hollywood is famous for betrayals, front-stabbing, revenge, envy, promises, scoundrels, deceptions, soundtracks, geniuses, half-geniuses, quasi-geniuses, former geniuses, deciduous loyalties, flagrant dreams, brains, bodies, breasts, butts, clowns, vagrants, intellectuals, and many intellectually good people.” Souls. ”Many remember him as one of them.
