Inside Gene Shalit’s Quiet Life at 100: What He’s Been Up to Since ‘Today’ Departure
Gene Shalit, the film critic who spent more than four decades on NBC’s Today, turned 100 on March 25. The birthday prompted an on-air tribute from his former colleagues and a flood of fan reactions across social media.
Al Roker delivered the birthday acknowledgment during a Today segment, calling Shalit “a prominent presence here at Today for 41 years.” Roker shared that Shalit was “ringing in 100 by enjoying that fresh air in the Berkshires with his six kids, five grandchildren and getting ready to watch his beloved New York Mets as they gear up for opening day.”
Al Roker Praised ‘Today’ Alum Gene Shalit
The segment included a recent photo of Shalit. “He looks fantastic,” Roker said as the image appeared on screen. Craig Melvin added his own take: “I love that he kept the stache.”
Roker also shared a personal anecdote. “I ran into him a few years ago at a Stop & Shop up in the Berkshires. He was buying cat food,” Roker recalled. The handlebar mustache, his signature for decades, is still intact. The bow ties may have retired, but Shalit has clearly not.
Comments flooded Today’s Instagram page after the segment aired. “Stop! This is awesome. I remember him reviewing movies so long ago. Happy birthday!” one person wrote. Another said, “The fabulous gene shalit. What a great presence for America every day on Today.” A third added, “Happy Birthday Gene! I was born in 69 and I grew up with you!! Sending you so much love 💕.”
The response made clear that Shalit’s 41-year run on morning television left a mark that outlasted his time on air.
How Gene Shalit Became a ‘Today’ Show Fixture
Shalit started as a writer and columnist, contributing to publications like The New York Times and TV Guide before moving to television. He joined Today in 1969 as a contributor and replaced Joe Garagiola on the Today desk in 1973.
His staying power came from his delivery. Shalit built a reputation on puns and playful wordplay in his film reviews, paired with an unmistakable look: handlebar mustache, glasses and bow ties. He also hosted segments on books, theater and other cultural topics.
The birthday tribute showed clips from some of Shalit’s celebrity interviews, including with the cast of Star Wars. “Gene could pull out from people so much, to the point where Gene actually lost it almost during the Carol Channing [interview],” Roker noted during the segment. “Even Sophia Loren couldn’t resist putting her hands into Gene’s hair.”
Gene Shalit Retired From NBC in 2010
Shalit retired from Today in October 2010 at age 87. His departure statement, delivered through his PR representative, was characteristically blunt: “It’s enough already,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
He said he would “pursue other activities” including publishing, radio and commercials. After leaving, he made few known TV appearances. One was a return to Today in 2015 for the retirement of longtime colleague Willard Scott.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
