Iconic Morning Show Critic Gene Shalit Turns 100

The mustachioed legend known for his signature unkempt style retired from NBC's 'Today Show' in 2010 after over 40 years.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:20pm

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Gene Shalit, the longtime movie critic and contributor to NBC's 'Today Show', is celebrating his 100th birthday. Shalit joined the 'Today Show' in 1970 and became a prominent presence on the morning program for over four decades before retiring in 2010. He is now enjoying his retirement in the Berkshires with his family and looking forward to watching his beloved New York Mets on opening day.

Why it matters

Gene Shalit was a fixture on morning television for generations of viewers, known for his unique personal style and insightful movie reviews. His retirement in 2010 marked the end of an era for the 'Today Show' and morning news programming more broadly.

The details

Shalit joined NBC's 'Today Show' in 1970 after previously working as an arts reporter for publications like 'Ladies Home Journal', 'Cosmopolitan', and 'The New York Times'. He also had a daily program on the NBC Radio Network from 1970 to 1982. Shalit became a prominent presence on the 'Today Show' for over 40 years, known for his unkempt appearance and signature mustache. He retired from the show in November 2010.

  • Gene Shalit joined the 'Today Show' in 1970.
  • Shalit had a daily program on the NBC Radio Network from 1970 to 1982.
  • Shalit retired from the 'Today Show' in November 2010 after over 40 years with the program.
  • Shalit celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25, 2026.

The players

Gene Shalit

A longtime movie critic and contributor to NBC's 'Today Show' who was known for his unique personal style and insightful reviews. Shalit joined the 'Today Show' in 1970 and retired in 2010 after over 40 years with the program.

Al Roker

A co-host of NBC's 'Today Show' who announced Shalit's 100th birthday on the program.

New York Mets

The baseball team that Shalit is looking forward to watching on opening day as part of his 100th birthday celebrations.

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The takeaway

Gene Shalit's 100th birthday celebration is a testament to his lasting impact on morning television and movie criticism. His unique style and insightful reviews made him a beloved figure for generations of viewers, and his retirement in 2010 marked the end of an era for the 'Today Show' and morning news programming more broadly.